First, I apologize for the length here, but I think this is SO important.
Wow, you guys. I just read the actual ordinance, and the description of the action from the Board of Supervisor's meeting on 2 August, as well as a couple of terribly disturbing newspaper articles. Here is the ordinance "table" of allowable rooster numbers per parcel:
Size of Premises Maximum Number of Roosters
< .5 acre 2
.5 to 1 acre 4
> 1 to 5 acres 6
> 5 acres 20
In addition, roosters/enclosures must be kept 50 feet from any residence (even yours). In truth, the most apalling thing about this ordinance is that while it claims to be focused purely on control of illegal c**kf****ing activity - what it really does is give law enforcement the ability to search private property with almost no cause (i.e., observance of 2+ roosters). WE NEED TO FIGHT THIS. Here are a couple quotes from those articles (links provided below)
The ordinance that won preliminary approval today also would make it easier for law enforcement agents in San Diego County to get a warrant to search suspected c**kf*****ing properties, officials said
"The supervisors approved the ordinance primarily as a way to target people who raise the animals for illegal c**kf***ing, but it could also help those who complain about the noise roosters make."
Most concerning to me is the real purpose of this ordinance; that is clearly intended to make it easier for law enforcement to search private property. If all that is required to search my home and property is the observance of more than 4 roosters (even if those roosters are a non-fighting breed), then they have essentially taken away my right to privacy and negated the protections against illegal search and seizure of personal property.
I have drafted a letter to send to each Supervisor (as well as signing the petition) and I intend to show up at the Sept 13 meeting wearing a bright red shirt in support of Rachel Bowman's efforts. If you'd like to copy or use any part of my letter, PM me and I will try to send as an attachment.
Here are the links for reference - copy and paste into your browser if the link doesn't work
Ordinance:
http://bosagenda.sdcounty.ca.gov/agendadocs/doc?id=09010e96800f2b5a
BOS record of action:
http://bosagenda.sdcounty.ca.gov/agendadocs/doc?id=09010e96800f2b56
North County Times Article: (most disturbing)
http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/sdcounty/article_da92ee59-8b07-51c7-93f6-a6b6f76e07ff.html
Suzanne
