We made the front page again!

[jbowyer01]

Posted a new comment. I think this is a little ridiculous. I asked if they were going to make individuals that have rare breeds or exotic pets then to rehome them. I mean if a teenager is going to try and steal a chicken then they might try to steal a cute and fluffy dog so whats the difference? It just seems to be creating a mountain out of a mole hill. The individuals home is clean and the yard is clean. I know some pet owners that dont even bother to pick up their animals feces let alone feed them..Sorry just felt the need to rant.. They always seem to pick on the responsible pet owners and not the ones they need to concentrate on.

 

[Sonia]

mangled just picked up the bunny. Thank you to all who are helping and supporting us through this.

 

[Sonia]

mangled just picked up the bunny. Thank you to all who are helping and supporting us through this.

 

[Sonia]

mangled just picked up the bunny. Thank you to all who are helping and supporting us through this.

 

[Sonia]

woah! How did that happen? Sorry!

 

[Run-A-Muck Ranch]

You know what kinda gets me (along with many other things...

)....is...
So you have a rabbit, so you have a chicken, so you have a cat, so you have a dog....
It's not like you are advertising these animals. You have had them how long??? Does anyone have any proof of those animals getting into the school yet?? Does anyone have any proof of any kids trying to steal those animals yet?? Have those animals stopped kids from getting to and from school yet??

Heck most people (I bet 99%) had no idea before the article that you even had a rabbit or chicken. It obviously hasn't been a problem until your husband(or ex husband) notified someone.
I think I would be

(smacking) a few heads over this one..

I am sure you are not advertising your ever so dangerous rabbit or chicken. Funny thing they don't seem bothered with the dog or cats. The dog could actually cause harm to a child (sorry don't know the breed or dog you have, just making a statement I guess).
Heck when I was in school the house 2 houses from the school was considered 'outside city limits'. They had horses, cows, bulls, all kinds of farm animals. There pasture actually butted up to the school property even though it was 2 houses away. The farm property when behind the 1st house and butted the school...

 

[Sonia]

I have a German shepherd, a min pin, a PITT BULL, and a mutt.

Oh and vicious viking kitties and attack guppies that are all riddled with disease!

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

Yesterday I was outside with my family and the chickens and I blurted out "I would take a chicken over a dog and cat any day". They asked why? and hre where my Reasons

1. They don't chew up your furniture during a lightning storm
2. They dont scratch up your furniture
3. They dont bark at strangers or attack them (At least mine dont)
4. They dont mark there territory
5. Dont need rabies shots or licensing


there are plenty more but #3 has happened to us where my moms dog, my brothers dog and m moms b/f's dog attacked my friend but thankfully did not draw blood.

I own 3 dogs of my own. 1 beagle, a chow/black lab mix and a black lab. I used ot have a pittbull and he never attacked anything. He was very protective over the chickens.

 

[Sonia]

A wonderful wonderful member of this forum managed to save ALL the comments that were posted to yesterday's article....I won't mention who if they want it known they may speak up for themselves.....Here they all are........


A concerned Person wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:05 PM:
" My first impression was this was a joke. I checked the calendar and it is not April 1st soooo.
Now what about all these schools that hatch eggs in their classes for children to LEARN. Guess what, no out break of any kind....oh the kids may have learnt where there food comes from.

Man o man I don't follow the idea that a chicken and rabbit thats in ones yard can cause or be a health problem. Even if kept inside.
My daughter had a rabbit when she was small....guess what .. some 35 yrs later, she grew up healthy and now her daughter has one too! AND heaven forbid in the house yet!

As for a chicken in the house..well thats not a problem either. I often have one inside and no one and I mean, NO ONE has ever came here and gotten sick. There is no smell if you clean up as you would any animal inside. I have walked into places with a kitty litter box that was in bad need of being cleaned. Now that is a problem, but no one seems to mind that, even tho. those kids go to school too. No health department said to get rid of the cats.....

Okay so...no chickens, no rabbits...then I say.. No dogs, no cats and heavens get rid of all the wild birds too.
Oh and don't forget the people that keep pet rats, mice and snakes..

Now I want to hear the other side of this story from the person that wants the pets. I don't like this all one sided business. Can't be reached..uh huh ...I have heard that one before too. So get to the scratch of it all and get their say on it.
In most area the health dept. has NO say about zoning...so how did this come about?

I don't get it. I just don't get how naive someone can be to think that chickens/rabbits will be a health problem.

Owned by chickens 45 yrs and counting. "

4-H Mom wrote on Sep 24, 2008 7:43 PM:
" Wow, sounds like everyone covered most aspects. I would just like to say, Mr. Kerr and Ms. Aukerman need to do their homework! I am afraid their ignorance is showing!!

I have been to many classrooms and daycare's that have rabbits, hamsters, rats, gerbils, turtles, fish, birds, snakes, spiders, etc and hatch chicks. Perhaps Mr. Kerr and Ms. Aukerman know more than all of these teachers, parents, and school officials?

These people applied for a permit, everything is clean and in order, what business is it of the board where they keep their pets in their own household? People are allowed large and sometimes dangerous dogs. They are allowed cats, even though their litter box can contain deadly toxins to unborn babies. They can keep pythons and boa constrictors that could eat other pets or small children!! However, look out for those evil pet bunnies and chickens!!! "

lorisnowberry wrote on Sep 24, 2008 7:40 PM:
" This is the most ridiculous thing I have read in years!!!! Does this man actually contend that the chicken and the rabbit are a threat to the children????

I argue that farm animals (pictured in numerous baby board books, picture books, etc....) are actually rare, healthy, wholesome things for kids to be exposed to.

please reopen this case and let this woman keep her pets! "

schicken wrote on Sep 24, 2008 7:32 PM:
" One chicken, and One rabbit? The city of SEATTLE WA, with a population of 600,000 residents, that's over a half a millon poeople, are allowed 3 hens on CITY lots, with more on larger ones! And some how one chicken and one rabit are going to stop kids from going to school in a little twon? What about all the things you can catch from dogs that can bite children going to and from school or cats that can give you nasty infections if you get scratched. Time to prohibit all animals big and small, they might hurt the children. "

jennspeeps wrote on Sep 24, 2008 5:55 PM:
" I'm confused by Terry Kerr's comment that a chicken or rabbit would wind up at the school. Perhaps I've missed his rationale in this case.

Deny someone the right to house one chicken and one rabbit because "If the animals are on the porch, next they could be in the school...?

Any animal housed inside will only be as clean as its owner maintains it. A dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, fish or Board of Health member is going to smell if not properly kept.

I can't speak as to the condition in which the animals would be kept, as I haven't seen them for myself.

It would have been nice to hear from the homeowner, Mrs. Farley, on her response to the permit denial, rather than only publish the public officials' points of view. "

peterson wrote on Sep 24, 2008 5:36 PM:
" If the animals are on the porch, next they could be in the school, Kerr said. I have a real strong concern permitting this to occur due to sanitary concerns and for the welfare of the children living there

Is this guy serious, are these animals going to hop on the bus and ride to school?
I am sure he must be embarrased by his statement by now, he should be.
How come we haven't heard of all the animal attacks in our children's schools by now?
Considering the amount of livestock in this world today, many who are kept near schools, there must be a record of all the bunny and chicken attacks somewhere.
What about all the agricultural schools that keep these very same animals on the school grounds with children?
This is so absurd it would be laughable if it were not for the fact that its hurting a family.
Thank Heavens I do not live in such an oppressive community.I am apparently very fortunate that I am allowed to keep chickens in my backyard in light of the fact that I apparently pose a danger by living near three schools, where we all know these chickens could barge into and attack unsuspecting students.
Do your homework before you make such ludicrous statements, I have had many chickens and my children,my family and my community is better for it.
Its obvious that the people harassing this family are uneducated regarding the keeping of a chicken and rabbit.
I have yet to see in this article one valid reason for this family not to keep these pets.
If I were this family I would consider going out and buying a goat, if they are going to get this much greif over a chicken and a bunny they might as well make it worth their while.
Now this will teach the people of your Titusville, do NOT do the right thing and apply for permits or this is what it will get you, go out and get your animals and sneak them into your house. "

warezsunny wrote on Sep 24, 2008 2:38 PM:
" Since when do you have to have a permit to keep a rabbit as a pet..A pet rabbit is not considered livestock. You can buy them at a PET SHOP.. Unless you are raising lots of them for meat.. Then it should not be a problem.. The pet chicken is considered livestock.. But almost all towns will let you keep a few.. If you do not have a rooster.. My town has a population of around 4,600 and you are allowed to have up to 10 chickens here.. The town nearby has a population of 2,070 and you can have 3 hens.. But when I lived there I owned 5 banty hens, 2 ducks, 20 pigeons, 1 dove, 5 cats, 3 rabbits, and one dog.. All these animals lived only 5 houses away from the school. And I never got in trouble or had to have a permit..

Right now I live right across the street from a school.. And I own 3 dogs, 1 cat, 4 Button Quail, and 3 doves. As soon as I get a place with a bigger yard.. And the space to have the coop far enough from the property line.. I will have chickens to..

I dont see a problem with this.. If any thing.. She should be able to keep the rabbit.. Check your local pet stores .. Do they sell rabbits, if they do then it should stay..

Every one in this town that owns a rabbit as a pet.. You should please band together.. So your right wont be taken away.. Many fighting against this has a better chance at winning.. If you dont help.. You may be next.. "

Kjuderman wrote on Sep 24, 2008 2:35 PM:
" Question:

How in the world are these animals going to get into the school? Are they going to hop the bus? I own both chickens and rabbits, and would like to make the comment that both of those animals indoors present no more of a "health hazard" than an indoor dog, cat, or goldfish do.

Rabbits and chickens both, with time and patience, can be house trained. It's no different that a dog having an accident on the floor, or a cat using it's litterbox. It was stated that the house was clean and there were no foul odors. Where's the health concern then, exactly? If she cleans up after her animals, why refuse to let her keep them? In that case, are you going to ban cats, dogs, parakeets and other common household pets from other residents?

This is outrageous. I'm shocked and appalled at the ignorance of people. Just because they've got authority and are prejudice against certain uncommon household pets, they decide to take action based on their biased opinion, which in turn hurts the caretakers of such pets. Spend time punishing people for acts of animal cruelty, not taking away beloved pets. "

Wordstress wrote on Sep 24, 2008 1:39 PM:
" Seriously, now. How can a rabbit and a chicken, properly contained on a front porch, keep a child from going to school? How could a rabbit and a chicken, even running loose through the neighborhood, keep a child from going to school? If the rabbit and chicken somehow got into the school, could a staff member not remove them?

Chickens and rabbits can be safely kept inside in a sanitary fashion. Chickens are, in my opinion, much tidier birds than cockatiels. "

donnamarie wrote on Sep 24, 2008 1:19 PM:
" What does having chickens as a pet on someone's private residence have to do with a school in the area?

Sounds like a bunch of bull to me. Leave the family alone and let them have their pets.

Don't you all have something better to do? "

UnNYAPPY wrote on Sep 24, 2008 1:05 PM:
" I don't understand the part where Mr. Kerr said " he sees difficulties with children going to and from school." Because someone gets a rabbit and a chicken, kids will have a problem getting to and from school. How does that happen?
"If the animals are on the porch, next they could be in the school, Do they regularly have peoples pets showing up in the school?
I don't think a rabbit or chicken is any dirtier than a dog,cat,hamster, or any other pet. Are they afraid the kids will be attacked or given a disease by these animals?
I think the animals living in the house should be okay, a rabbit can be potty trained, and you can make chicken diapers. "

MagsC wrote on Sep 24, 2008 12:29 PM:
" I cannot BELIEVE the ignorance in this article!!!!!!! "

Tuffoldhen wrote on Sep 24, 2008 11:25 AM:
" This is the worse article I have ever read concerning keeping a chicken for a pet! Chickens can and are pets to alot of people! Anyone ever had a parrot? Good heavens people where are your brains? I'd hate to see your kids look up in the sky for wild bird droppings! "

areyoukiddingme wrote on Sep 24, 2008 10:13 AM:
" I'm wondering how a chicken and a rabbit would be considered a threat to children? I don't live in your area but I found this article looking for something else and I was surprised at the ignorance shown by some of the comments on here. I am a teacher in a rural area and we have chickens, goats, rabbits, pigs, you name it being raised all over the community and no child has been hurt or threatened by any of them.
Terry Kerr states he sees a problem with children going to and from school. Do these children actually enter someone elses house without permission to play with animals that don't belong to them? Or does he envision a crazed chicken and rabbit chasing a child down the street? I'm wondering if he had a bad experience as a child and hasn't gotten over it to make such outlandish remarks. "

theMayor wrote on Sep 24, 2008 10:09 AM:
" Ok, Mr. Kerr, why would the animals end up in the school? That makes no sense. I think you are being very close-minded to think that a family doesn't deserve to be able to choose the pet they keep. I can understand basic rules that you would have to enforce to ensure the safety of the community, but a chicken or a rabbit poses no threat, compared to some dogs.
All of you in that neighborhood better be prepared for Mr. Kerr to take action against your cats, dogs, hamsters, and parakeets...he could turn his attention to you next if you let him continue! Stand up for your neighbor's rights or you may not have any soon.
R. Bowers "

appleton78 wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:54 AM:
" Shame on you! This article completely lacks an informed view on this situation and the slant is obvious.

Ignorance, stereotyping, and bias abound.

Again...Shame..
Next time be journalists and do your research....fairly. "

appleton78 wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:51 AM:
" The ignorance of this article amazes me. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

Talk about an unfair and slanted article.

Again, Shame On YOU. "

jessupfamily wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:48 AM:
" First, I have to say thank goodness my family does not live in this town!!! She had 1 rabbit and 1 chicken, but somehow the article keeps saying "them" and "chickens" (plural). Making one think she has a flock of chickens living in the house with them. It also seems to be focused on just the chicken. Are people that live in this area allowed to keep any pet birds? (Cockatoos are almost as large as a chicken and they are considered house pets.) The concern for the health of the children is unfounded. (I think people would be surprised at how common this pet arrangement is.) And how often are children on farms being sickened by their animals? (And, yes it is common for children to keep a chicken or a rabbit or even a baby pig in their house to take care of them.) Health concerns are just being used as scapegoats. What worries me is that a woman making such comments is a nursing director!
And what difficulties could arise from children going to and from school and a rabbit and a chicken being in someone's residence? Are the animals going to run out and attack the children? Are the children going to run into the residence and be attacked? That comment makes no sense. And as for the animals ending up in the school, that's hilarious! Are they going to hitch a ride in one of the children's backpacks (that they are attacking) to find their way in there? It is very common, across this nation, for schools to have these animals in their classrooms all of the time! (We have this in classrooms here in our city.) This is one of the most confusing articles I have ever read! Before the officials make a decision like this they should look into the actual facts behind the logistics and health concerns. I thought this was a zoning issue? "

mitts4770 wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:46 AM:
" What in the world? You actually approve comments? Wow--So much for free speech! "

mitts4770 wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:44 AM:
" Come on! Apparently town offcials have too much time on their hands if they are worrying about chickens and bunnies. Maybe they should do their research before jumping to a bad decision. Chickens are wonderful pets, very clean..much more so than dogs or cats. They present very little threat to children--dogs and even cats present much more of a threat.
Owning pet chickens is a growing trend. One that is not going to go away just because a town makes it illegal. Better to address the issue in an itelligent and informed way than to just say no. Glad I don't live in Titusville! "

Reinbeau wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:44 AM:
" Terry Kerr, are you crazy? What possible harm could come to children as the result of walking by a rabbit and a chicken? While I agree it's unconventional, especially with regards to a house chicken, however there are many people who have kept rabbits in the house (I had one, named Alice), they're trainable, mine used a litter box - chickens can wear diapers - what possible, logical harm could happen? Don't stretch for a reason, be calm, rational, and explain how you came to the conclusion that I have a real strong concern permitting this to occur due to sanitary concerns and for the welfare of the children living there.. How would they get into the school? How would the children be affected by their droppings, etc? Perhaps wild birds should be banned in Titusville, too, after all, there's no controlling where they will let loose!

Obviously NYMBYism reigns in Titusville, Pennsylvania. "

jbowyer01 wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:21 AM:
" I personaly think Mr. Kerr is confused or misinformed on the issue of chickens. The individual as of yet has had no issues regarding her chickens escaping and run rampant through the neighborhood so why the concern over them showing up at the school? The zoning officer has stated that the home was clean, with no foul odor and no feces laying in the yard. Will individuals that own birds such as parakeets,cockatiels and parrots be denied keeping them within their own homes also? "

ninjapoodles wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:05 AM:
" Are you KIDDING me? How in the world is a pet bunny a hazard to a nearby SCHOOL? This is insanity; small-town regulatory mentality run amok! Does Terry Kerr not know any children with pet dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, turtles, or anything? He may have personal issues with pets (it sure sounds like he does, with his "concern" about "sanitary conditions and the welfare of the children,") but denying Farley's family their pets is beyond extreme, and his rationale is just mind-boggling. A chicken is, after all, a BIRD. Just like a parakeet, a cockatiel, or a parrot. A rabbit is no less "sanitary" than a guinea pig, and not much larger. Maybe Kerr should go on a door-to-door canvass to rid the school district of pet turtles--they can carry salmonella, after all! *gasp*

Inspector Lorenz reported that Farley's home was clean, and that there were NO sanitation/health issues from the animals--not even any odor, which is often not the case for people who keep dogs and cats! And it's not as if the family just lets the rabbit and chicken run loose--I'm terribly confused as to HOW these animals could possibly wind up "in the school" as Kerr claims to fear. WHAT?!? I suppose if they took the bus...

This article makes me glad I don't live in Titusville. And your paper does its readers a disservice by printing Kerr's incredibly ignorant and misinformed comments regarding the health and safety of keeping animals at face value, without challenging his blatantly baseless opinions. "

kildayan wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:04 AM:
" I believe she should be allowed to keep the chicken. After spending months learning about chickens myself I have learned a lot and it's not hard to keep area's around them clean. There are such things as chicken diapers for house chickens and it's not uncommon to keep a chicken in the house. There is no feces even touching the floor while wearing the diaper. I know several people who have house chickens. If people would take the time to visit some chicken forums or learn a little about chickens you may change your mind about them. They are very personable animals and are wonderful to have around. I have a flock of 28 and we smell NO foul smells around our property. With one chicken there is no way to notice a smell unless she NEVER cleaned up after her hen. And anyone going through the trouble of getting in contact with you and if she decides to appeal is probably a responsible pet owner and will keep the area clean. Let her have her pet chicken. "

mangled wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:02 AM:
" This story is ridiculous. Why on earth would a woman keeping a few chickens and a rabbit be a health hazard to the school?
You do realize that there are MANY schools out there with rabbits as class pets and classes that incubate and keep chicks as an educational experience?
This article is simply preposterous. Have we finally come to a point in the world where we cannot even keep pets? You people make it sound like she's planning on letting rabid, diseased animals run rampant through the school halls.
If you, as a community, are concerned about the cleanliness of animals and their impact on school health, you better start going door to door and checking peoples' litter boxes and backyards. I'm sure you'll find more "health hazards" to report.
Emalthea Day
East Brady, PA "

whitecra wrote on Sep 24, 2008 8:59 AM:
" This is crazy. My 13 year old son has a rabbit in the house. It is in a pen in his room. The rabbit doesn't cause any problems. He also has chickens outside in a pen. They do not run everywhere. They do get turned loose once in awhile but they don't leave the fenced yard. I think that this is wrong to make them get rid of the rabbit. Let the child have his rabbit. This is his pet. How would you like it if someone came and told you you had to get rid of your childs pet? The rabbit should stay. He isn't going to be going to the school to run around or anything.
Chris "

cjeanean wrote on Sep 24, 2008 8:40 AM:
" I think this story is ridiculous! Chickens AND rabbits are very clean pets, and I don't know how someone can claim concern for health based on Mrs. Farley wanting to keep these animals. There is no concern for health, officials are just being controlling! People have dogs and cats in their houses all the time, and FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE chickens are much cleaner. It's not like she wants to keep a dozen of them, she just wants one or two. There are special diapers that can be made for chickens, and once again they are very clean. Rabbits are the same way. Both animals can be caged most of the time and still have a pleasant life. I don't see the problem with her wanting a few 'different' pets - she's not raising food! "

horsejody wrote on Sep 24, 2008 8:28 AM:
" This is absolutely ridiculous. As a long time keeper of chickens, I can assure you that a small flock of chickens is cleaner and easier to keep than a dog or a couple of cats. A small coop and run in the yard with a few hens can be kept easier and cleaner than a dog house and run with a big dog in it. Titusville needs to rethink this. Even major cities now allow small backyard flocks. I can understand not allowing roosters because of the noise, but hens are pretty quiet. Also, the eggs they provide are more fresh and healthly than those sold in stores. "

 

[Fudgie]

OMG.....that is priceless!!!

They attack a chicken and a rabbit over a pitt bull! What is this world coming to! What a bunch of hypocritical jerks. I would call the news crews and ask for a call for action crew to come share your story. Surely someone has that in your town.