Please let me know if this sounds okay and if I should change/add anything.
This bb is the greatest!
7 November 2008
Animal Control Office
2200 Jefferson
Torrance, CA 90503
Dear Officer T,
This letter is a summary of our phone conversation on 6 November 2008 regarding the Notice of Complaint I was issued on 5 November 2008. It is my understanding that the original complaint was about noise but the notice stated that I was in violation of TMC 41.1.2. regarding farm animals being kept in the city. As we discussed, I believe that my Bantam chickens are not in violation of this code for two main reasons.
First, I refer to TMC 41.6.3. and 41.6.4. which state that rabbits, baby chicks, ducklings or other fowl need proper brooder facilities and must be a certain age in order to be legally sold in the city. If these specific animals can be legally sold in Torrance, then it logically follows that the described animals may be legally purchased and kept by residents within the city.
Second, addressing the terms farm animals and unusual pets. The TMC specifically addresses pigs (TMC 41.5.1.) and cows (TMC 41.7.1.) as being unlawful to own within the city, but does not state any other farm type animals. The terms farm animal and unusual pets are vague and subjective. In fact, one of the animals specifically listed in TMC 41.1.1.c. as an approved pet is a squirrel. I personally have never known anyone who owned, or any store that sold, pet squirrels and I certainly consider it unusual. Bantams and other fowl are quite popular pets and hobby animals in the United States.
Bantams are dwarf, or miniature, chickens. They are very small, weighing one to two pounds. There are hundreds of varieties of Bantams and they are raised exclusively as pets and for show, never for meat or eggs, although all hens will lay eggs. As I explained to you on the phone, I hope that my children will be able to show the Bantams through the local 4-H poultry club (www.pvp4hclub.com) at the county fair.
We discussed in our phone conversation the original complaint was about noise. I agreed that I had one Bantam hen that made too much noise and that I had already begun the process of finding her a new home. I am happy to report that I found a good home for her that same day with a 4-H leader, and I no longer own that animal. I currently own just one Bantam hen.
I submit that I would like to keep on my property no more than three Bantam hens (females) at any given time for my children to raise as an educational hobby. I will not keep any roosters (males). Just like dogs, different breeds of chickens are known to have varying personality traits and typical behaviors. I intend to research breeds of Bantams that are known to be quiet and that thrive in properties similar to mine so that both the birds and our neighbors can get along.
Both of my current next-door neighbors were aware I had Bantams as did several other households on my street and none had ever expressed any reservations to me. In fact, one next-door neighbor told me just three days before the complaint was issued that she had forgotten I had the Bantams and that she had never been bothered by any noise.
I appreciate you looking into this matter. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact me.
Sincerely,
This bb is the greatest!
7 November 2008
Animal Control Office
2200 Jefferson
Torrance, CA 90503
Dear Officer T,
This letter is a summary of our phone conversation on 6 November 2008 regarding the Notice of Complaint I was issued on 5 November 2008. It is my understanding that the original complaint was about noise but the notice stated that I was in violation of TMC 41.1.2. regarding farm animals being kept in the city. As we discussed, I believe that my Bantam chickens are not in violation of this code for two main reasons.
First, I refer to TMC 41.6.3. and 41.6.4. which state that rabbits, baby chicks, ducklings or other fowl need proper brooder facilities and must be a certain age in order to be legally sold in the city. If these specific animals can be legally sold in Torrance, then it logically follows that the described animals may be legally purchased and kept by residents within the city.
Second, addressing the terms farm animals and unusual pets. The TMC specifically addresses pigs (TMC 41.5.1.) and cows (TMC 41.7.1.) as being unlawful to own within the city, but does not state any other farm type animals. The terms farm animal and unusual pets are vague and subjective. In fact, one of the animals specifically listed in TMC 41.1.1.c. as an approved pet is a squirrel. I personally have never known anyone who owned, or any store that sold, pet squirrels and I certainly consider it unusual. Bantams and other fowl are quite popular pets and hobby animals in the United States.
Bantams are dwarf, or miniature, chickens. They are very small, weighing one to two pounds. There are hundreds of varieties of Bantams and they are raised exclusively as pets and for show, never for meat or eggs, although all hens will lay eggs. As I explained to you on the phone, I hope that my children will be able to show the Bantams through the local 4-H poultry club (www.pvp4hclub.com) at the county fair.
We discussed in our phone conversation the original complaint was about noise. I agreed that I had one Bantam hen that made too much noise and that I had already begun the process of finding her a new home. I am happy to report that I found a good home for her that same day with a 4-H leader, and I no longer own that animal. I currently own just one Bantam hen.
I submit that I would like to keep on my property no more than three Bantam hens (females) at any given time for my children to raise as an educational hobby. I will not keep any roosters (males). Just like dogs, different breeds of chickens are known to have varying personality traits and typical behaviors. I intend to research breeds of Bantams that are known to be quiet and that thrive in properties similar to mine so that both the birds and our neighbors can get along.
Both of my current next-door neighbors were aware I had Bantams as did several other households on my street and none had ever expressed any reservations to me. In fact, one next-door neighbor told me just three days before the complaint was issued that she had forgotten I had the Bantams and that she had never been bothered by any noise.
I appreciate you looking into this matter. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact me.
Sincerely,