Animal Control and City Ordinance Advice Needed PLEASE!!!

[stupondo]

I have heard others on this site fight their case through knowledge. Take lots of photos and explain your set up and proximity to neighbors. You could even take a poll and opinions from the neighbors in your area to voice their two cents. On this site people have worked on a pamphlet. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=184640 and http://www.bellecitychickens.org/index.php/Main_Page The more informed people are could help. Lay out a case for them as exotic birds and pets. More information for us would help. How many do you have? Size of the coop? Size of your property and how close are your neighbors/road? Hope this helps

 

[Judy]

You aren't keeping them for work purposes or food, you are keeping them as pets; that is clear from your post. Even if you eat the eggs, that does not sound like your primary purpose, and obviously you won't present it as such. Then there is the whole green movement; would they argue a garden as well?

"Except for horses?" Huh? You gotta be kidding. Horses poop much bigger poops than chickens!!! Not to mention, could be much more destructive if they were to get loose in the neighborhood. When the horse down the street from us got loose, he was a real threat to the kids here, simply because he was frightened. Turned out well, but it might not have.

Don't get me wrong. I feel anyone should be able to keep any animal they want, within REAL reason. (As in, I don't want a lion next door.) I would not say a word about a cow next door, or a horse or goat or.... As for CHICKENS??? Many dogs are much more noisy and annoying, never mind dangerous, than roosters, never mind hens, because owners don't handle them properly.

Sheesh. We are talking about chickens. They go bawk-bawk-bGAWK when they lay an egg. They are no more a source of odor or flies than cats or dogs. They are certainly quieter than boom boxes or kids in vehicles with souped up stereos or glass pack mufflers.

I don't suppose you are in Michigan, are you? They have a state right to farm law that overrides some of these local ordinances that have been passed. I wish the US had a federal law that was much the same.

Lots of info in this forum on how people have approached these meetings. Do your research and go well armed.

 

[stupondo]

Also if it could help your case fence in a run

You can prove that they are well taken care of and can't get loose like peoples dogs or cats

 

[Happy Chicken 09]

I don't know if you know your neighbors, but if you could have them go with you for support ( if they like the birds) and also take a video of you playing with your birds so they understand you are REALLY not raising them for food. If they still say no, ask please please to have some time to find then a relocation home. In our city as long as they live in the house (and not unfit living conditions) they can stay. I am an animal control officer where I live. Be nice, don't lose your temper.
Good Luck

 

[Little Chicky]

Quote:
While that may be true, the ordinance says that the animals prohibited are the ones typically used for food, which is the case for chickens. There are a lot more chickens in farms than those being raised as pets.

The only way to keep your chickens is to change the law: advertise the benefits of backyard chickens! The moment I first saw this sight, I was hooked, so E-mail the link to everyone you know! Then sign petitions to change the law!

 

[jhatfield]

Thanks to all for the advice. I am going to the City meeting this evening. I am going to try to present my case from a 2nd grade teacher standpoint(which I am). I am working on a powerpoint presentation starting with the NC standard course of study concerning animal life cycles. Then I am going to provide documentation showing that the capital city has changed
its ordinance to allow pet chickens in the city. I hope it works!

 

[jhatfield]

Yeah! Just found out the city meeting has been canceled for tonight.
I have more time to get my proposal together.

 

[redhen]

Good luck!

 

[rebecca100]

I am soo sorry, I am having problems where I am at also. And we can keep them here. It is the neighbors. I wish there was actually something we could all do to help people get over the ignorance! I hope everything goes well for you.

 

[Sillystunt]

well if they don't live in a barn are they Barnyard animals? Ok, just a little humor~

You are in city limits? Can you say they are pets and not for food! CRY, CRY, CRY always works for me!

Praying for you and your chickens~