Well you've got some folks being the usual ignorant "We're the majority" types. No sympathy for them. It's Evan's land, and his business.
The article points out that these particular chickens got out into the neighbor's yards. No sympathy for Evan in this case.
My girls got out, so we've penned them up until we can secure the property and patch the remainder of the fencing. I like free ranging, but that can't come at the expense of my neighbor's properties. By the same token, I expect my neighbors to keep their dogs out of my yard, and they do. We stay on good terms because we respect each other's rights.
What I'm seeing in this story, and (more so the comments...) is that folks on both sides are generally failing at what I like to call the obvious rule...
"Don't be a ****".
Evan needs to keep his flock under control, keep the noise and smell under control. His neighbors need to mind their own business unless he fails those duties. The township needs to stay out of folks business in general until called upon.
Oddly, I'm most encouraged by Commissioner O'Brien. He didn't immediately take sides, didn't offhand dismiss Evan due to his age, and seems more interested in finding out what's going on. It's pretty rare that you see any sort of elected official who doesn't come off seeming like he knows all the answers and already has his mind made up. Certainly wouldn't happen here in Delaware County!
I'm hoping Evan gets his changes passed, I'm even more hoping he gets his flock under control.Bad press is the last thing we need, right?
Oh, definitely. If my hens got into my neighbor's yard I would totally understand if they had problems with it. And I think 40 chickens is a bit much, but I agree, the Commissioner seems like he will actually review the case without bias.
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