Shot Down By the Local Planning Committee

[jhatfield]

After being on the front page of two local newspapers, I was sadly voted down 3 to 1 for a recommendation to change the city ordinance to allow backyard chickens. I have been put off by the local government for over 6 months, and this is the answer I get. They said that chickens are stinky and they attract raccoons, opossums, and foxes. I am not giving up my fight. I will be going back to the Board of Commissioner's to have another say. If anyone has any suggestions to help my cause, please let me know. http://www.havenews.com/news/chickens-6362-hatfield-city.html

 

[the simple life]

I am so sorry to hear you were turned down. A really pathetic situation, people just do not have any clue as to what they are talking about.
I don't have any great advice but I hope you don't give up and you can get them to change their minds.
Maybe when the board that voted against it changes its members over you will get someone who is more sympathetic to your plight, although who knows when that will be.
How were the townspeople about this, did they back you up? Could you get a major petition going?

 

[PineappleMama]

Quote:
Well... in THAT case... how about you report any and all unpleasant (to your nose) smells...
Oh wait that's just a (their?) dog, cat, parrot, etc.

Also, if you could get pictures, or even a report from animal control as to the number of coons, possums and foxes ALREADY reported every year then perhaps it would dawn on them that you don't need an attraction to get them?

Just an idea...

 

[Teach97]

as far as attracting raccoons and opposums...that would be folks that feed their dogs and cats outside. Lots easier than breaking into chicken Ft. Knox. Guess they want to stop all outside feeding of pets. Foxes...like to see that evidence. They tend to be fairly timid. Yes I have seen them in town but city fences really slow those guys down..not the best climbers...

I think you should use the best method of voting...move!

 

[PineappleMama]

We're in Arlington, smack between Dallas and Ft Worth and in our neighborhood there are possums, raccoons, skunks and on the rare night, foxes too. Those have ALL been seen in my In Laws yard, garage, etc (yep, to get the cat food)... the fox actually had a litter under their shed!

So... if we can have these problems than any place can. That's what happens when you sprawl building out into formerly wooded areas... the critters adapt and instead of hunting mice, foraging, etc they start filching cat food.

Heck, show them the pics of BEARS digging in landfills...

 

[lngrid]

What if you can get someone on the board to visit a place where chickens are properly kept, so they can see how it really is? Some cities where chickens are legal have organizations that hold classes, teaching people how to care for them. You could tell the board about that. It sounds like they just haven't been educated and have some misconceptions...
KT LaBadie will write a letter to your board in favor of keeping chickens . The PDF on that site has a lot of good information you can use, too.

 

[ruffles]

Feral cats which have kittens three times a year fit that description that you were given about backyard chickens. Feral cats, fight, spread diseases by defecation in yards, attrack predators even foxes, raccoons et al as they are a food source.
Fenced in fowl can be kept clean and not smelling

I do feel sorry for you?/

Rehoboth is a right to farm Town in Massachusetts

I have six hens, fenced in, but, the darn ferals are my problem. My cats are all fixed and in at night,not carousing and breeding.

Sandi

 

[jhatfield]

I really appreciate all your posts. I have gotten some very good information to use in my next phase. I have been contacted by the local TV news, and I think I am going to make my appeal more visible.

It is so hard to accept NO as an answer, from our elected officials, even though I new it was a possibility.

Thanks again to you concerned fellow chicken lovers.

I'm not giving up yet!

 

[lngrid]

Good for you, jhatfield! I'm sure if you're persistent enough you'll guide the planning committee around to a more open perspective! Good luck!

 

[TheCoopers]

Good luck with the next go-round.