Help-Code Enforcement came by

[HannaLee]

I *just* got a knock on the door. A reporter from the larger local newspaper and the paper for the larger city to the north of us would like to do a story about our chickens. There will be a reporter and photographer here at 1:00 this afternoon!

 

[ekemily]

That's great! Let us know how it goes!

 

[desertdarlene]

Good luck with your news interview!

 

[HannaLee]

Here's the web version of the article. There's a couple of inaccuracies. I have a call in to the reporter to try to change them online. ONE hen got out, not all of them. I did research the city's code, but I might have called the county when I got verbal permission. Overall, it's supportive! Anyone who wants can register and leave a little positive comment!

http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/ar...s-not-so-fine-in-city-of-Tulare#pluckcomments

 

[desertdarlene]

I didn't realize you had such a large yard as do your neighbors. Your neighborhood looks pretty spread out. I don't see why you can't keep your chickens. People in my area keep them on much smaller parcels than what you have.

 

[HannaLee]

The pictures are taken at my friend in the country's home. We have a standard lot with plenty of room for a small flock. She has an amazing place!

 

[GrandmaAnn]

I went over and posted after the article (as ChickenGranny - GrandmaAnn was taken). I hope it helps. Don't let some of those silly, uninformed, posts on the article discourage you. I also homeschooled my children, and now my grandchildren are all being homeschooled. This whole process with City Hall is a wonderful learning experience for your children. I think they will remember the lessons they learn in this process their whole life. Hang in there and just be organized and articulate and I think you'll win.

 

[HannaLee]

Thank you SO much for posting! I knew there would be some ignorant comments. I didn't expect personal attacks, but I am not discouraged. I am encouraged! I was interviewed by phone for another newspaper this evening! I also met with the vice mayor, gave him the summary of CA chicken laws and ordinances, and he was encouraging again. He faxed the info off to the city manager and city planner while I was there. He's looking forward seeing the kids again at the next council meeting.

 

[GrandmaAnn]

HannaLee,

Keep us updated as you have time. I know how busy you must be. I think another article will help. I choose to believe that when most people have accurate information, they will make reasonable choices.

 

[HannaLee]

Ok, here's the newest newspaper article: http://www.valleyvoicenewspaper.com/tv/stories/2010/tv_chickens_0647.htm



This is the part that I love: "While Miller may be an outstanding pet owner who properly cares for her hens, that is not true of everyone and the communicable disease division of the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency has outlined enough potential problems with backyard hens to cause him concern, Chief Code Enforcement Officer Frank Furtaw said.

“Chickens are potential carriers and spreaders of salmonella bacteria,” Furtaw said. “This is the reason why poultry farmers wear protective clothing.”

Introducing chickens into residential zones could also increase the presence of blue tick lice and other parasites and they could indirectly bring in the rare but deadly Hanta virus, which is associated with rats and mice fecal matter, because chicken feed is attractive to rodents, he said."



I'll be researching the silly health claims, so I have some common sense on paper to hand to the council. Of course, salmonella is associated with LARGE chicken production, where the birds can not live natuarally. They wear protective suits because they have a million chickens crammed into a warehouse the size of my house. Also, I wonder just how many cases of Hanta virus are reported in country areas of the US every year?

I know the city council will see through these scare tactics. Our next meeting is Sept 7th. Any links anyone wants to share would be appreciated!