I live in Melbourne, Florida-in the Suntree/Viera area. I am trying to figure out the best way to handle my children joining the 4-h Poultry club and accomplishing their "project". Our county has great hopes to have wonderful county fairs, where children "show" their animals. Unfortunately, not many people get to show, because the zoning laws are not in favor of agriculture! My children's project is to raise RI Red chicks and each "show" 3 at the county fair. I have called about having these animals temporarily. I was told that I just had to fill out a form for a permit. I was SO excited! But, I wanted to double-check and called a zoning person who went on to explain that we can only have 1 chicken in Brevard County! First of all, isn't that animal abuse? These animals don't thrive alone...secondly, everyone in Brevard County who has more than 1 chicken(and there are many) is out of compliance? Our county uses taxdollars to help with the 4-h activities at the fair(because that's how the county makes money), so aren't they encouraging children to do things illegally-when the law says that they can only have one chicken? It's ABSURD!
So, what do I do? I've heard that you can get a permit for chickens as pets...don't know exactly what that means, or how many you can have-but I'm lost. Who do I call and what should I do? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
