I'm not allowed to let my chickens out of their coop?

[Faife6]

I like in the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Yesterday, one of my chickens was eaten by a stray dog. I'm not sure how the dog got into my yard, maybe my chicken got over the fence somehow and after much looking and not finding her I just gave up. Today, my boyfriend found her feathers in another persons yard. There was a stray there yesterday. So I''m assuming, this dog got my chicken. I've seen it wondering around several times, so I'm assuming it belongs to someone near by. Anyways, when I called animal welfare to report the pit mix, the jerk was only interested in my chickens. He asked why the chicken was out of it's cage. I told him I let them out to free range for a few hours a day. Which is when he rudely interrupted me and said I was not allowed to do that. Even in my own backyard. WHAT?!? I then said, there is no where in the city ordinances for chickens that it says I can't let them out of the coop.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/tulsa-oklahoma-chicken-ordinance


He didn't even care there was a pit mix running street, just that I'd let my chickens out. Like it was my fault! Have any of you guys ever been told this? I'm very upset, not only did one of my favorite chickens get eaten, this guy threatened to give me a ticket! ***?! I'm so furious right now! It just seems cruel to have to keep them confined all the time! I need help with this guys! This guy was suddenly rude when I mentioned that I had chickens!

Thank you guys!
Faith

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I like in the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Yesterday, one of my chickens was eaten by a stray dog. I'm not sure how the dog got into my yard, maybe my chicken got over the fence somehow and after much looking and not finding her I just gave up. Today, my boyfriend found her feathers in another persons yard. There was a stray there yesterday. So I''m assuming, this dog got my chicken. I've seen it wondering around several times, so I'm assuming it belongs to someone near by. Anyways, when I called animal welfare to report the pit mix, the jerk was only interested in my chickens. He asked why the chicken was out of it's cage. I told him I let them out to free range for a few hours a day. Which is when he rudely interrupted me and said I was not allowed to do that. Even in my own backyard. WHAT?!? I then said, there is no where in the city ordinances for chickens that it says I can't let them out of the coop.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/tulsa-oklahoma-chicken-ordinance


He didn't even care there was a pit mix running street, just that I'd let my chickens out. Like it was my fault! Have any of you guys ever been told this? I'm very upset, not only did one of my favorite chickens get eaten, this guy threatened to give me a ticket! ***?! I'm so furious right now! It just seems cruel to have to keep them confined all the time! I need help with this guys! This guy was suddenly rude when I mentioned that I had chickens!

Thank you guys!
Faith

Directly from the ordinance:
"D. Poultry kept in areas zoned for agriculture (AG) must be in pens or
buildings located at least one hundred (100) feet from an adjoining property line.
E. Poultry kept in areas not zoned for agriculture shall not exceed six (6)
adults and fourteen (14) chicks under the age of eight (8) weeks, and must be kept under
the following conditions:
1. The fowl must be kept in a building which at its nearest point is no closer
than fifty (50) feet to any adjoining residence; ,
2. . The floors ofsuch building shall be of easily-cleanable construction, and
shall be maintained in a sanitary condition not offensive or dangerous to the public
health by routinely cleaning and properly disposing of the droppings; and
3. The outside openings of the building shall be screened to prevent the
spread of disease by flies and vermin."

So, are you Ag zone or not? Ag zone has to be in pens. Your fenced yard should qualify as a pen. Non-Ag zone must be in buildings, and all openings must be screened--in ohter words, if you have cage or poultry wire, you must also have insect screening,