What are YOUR laws?

[SophieLain127]

I'm so sorry to hear that this happened to your hens. I hope that you stick with it and are able to get the laws changed.

 

[AHappychick]

Quote:
Yeah-I'm going for the "I didn't know" defense!

same here!!!

technically I think one has to apply for a permit or something only if they have over 2 acres which in unheard of exceppt for maybe a few estates and I have a hard time seeing them folks wanting chooks!

 

[AZKat]

Mesa, Arizona:


You may have up to 10 chickens on the first one-half
acre or less provided any enclosure is at least 40’ from any
neighboring residence, any coop is at least 75’ from any
other residence, it is kept sanitary, and they are not allowed
to run loose or create a noise disturbance. A rooster is also
allowed as long as it does not violate any of the above
regulations. (see MCC 8-6-21A, D, E, and F)

This is from the City of Mesa Animal Control FAQ. 'Running loose' means that the animal is unrestrained and off of your property.

 

[hennypenny9]

Quote:
I would have freaked out and pushed chicken keeping even more. I'm so sorry that happened.

Here are Bellingham Washington's laws.

A. Any person being the owner or entitled to the possession of any animal of the species of horse, mule, ass, cattle, sheep, goat, domesticated fowl and exotic animals (except domesticated fowl maintained in a residence), including but not limited to, duck, chicken, goose, turkey or peafowl or swine of any kind, shall be permitted to keep the same within the limits of the City except as the same is now or may be hereafter forbidden by ordinance, by securely confining the same in a stable or other building; or an enclosure surrounded by a secure, well-built fence of sufficient height and strength to confine such animal therein; or the same may be securely staked out in a vacant lot in such manner that it cannot get upon any street, alley, or other public place within the City provided that the same is so confined or staked out as to effectively prevent it getting within 50' of any dwelling or other building in which persons work or are accustomed to be, or near enough to the property of another to do any damage thereto or commit any nuisance thereupon; and provided, further, that any such animal shall be considered as running at large when it breaks away from its fastenings or is herded or permitted to feed upon any of the streets, alleys or other public places of the City.

I emailed the city and they confirmed that yes you can have chickens as long as you follow these guidelines.

 

[fog6082]

Here in Michigan, we have the "Right To Farm" law and as long as you are producing a product for the benefit of mankind with the intent to make a profit and follow generally accepted agricultural management practices there is not a thing the city can do to you. In fact the law further states that no ordinance shall be passed to restrict this law. There is no minimum amount of land required either. Supposedly it is one of the best laws in the country in regards to protecting our right to farm.

 

[AnconaDuck]

We are required to have 5 acres for any "livestock"

 

[AnconaDuck]

Quote:
Not in our county, we are required to have 5 acres last I knew....(my post above, oops, didnt see this post!)

 

[vfem]

No laws here... we're outside of city limits!

BUT... inside the wonderful Captial city of Raleigh... inside town limits, limit fowl owners to 4 hens and no roosters! No permit required.

Several smaller towns such as Sanford currently do not allow at all, but may be changing their laws.

I would DEFINITELY plug as many LARGE cities regulations as possible.

 

[lovedless]

Quote:
Not in our county, we are required to have 5 acres last I knew....(my post above, oops, didnt see this post!)

The state law TRUMPS any local, city, or village ordnance and anyone who says differently doesn't understand the plane face type. There have been 2 cases which have gone to the state supreme court where this has arisen, the most recent back in 2007/2008. Use the search feature and look for Right to Farm under the Local Chicken Laws subdivision.

 

[vjbakke]

Here is ours- "Animals and Fowl-Keeping, Housing, Treatment, Restraint, Confinement and Trespasses.

Subd. 1. Definition. For purposes of this section, the term "animals" means cattle, horses, mules, sheep, goats, swine, ponies, ducks, geese, turkeys, chickens, guinea hens, and all other animals and feathered fowl except dogs and cats, unless such pets are specifically included in particular subdivisions hereof.

Subd. 2. Keeping. It is unlawful for any person to keep any animal, not in transit, in any part of the City not zoned for agricultural purposes."

We are at a loss of what to do in order to have chickens, Permit?