What happens when your illegal chickens are "discovered"?

[mrsbos]

I've had my 3 pullets for 8 months now, since they were 1 day old chicks. I thought all my neighbors and I were living in harmony with them. Turns out one neighbor has secretly hated them since day one (but never said anything to me). Unfortunately the county does not allow chickens in residential neighborhoods, and I think she has--or will call in--a complaint. So what happens then? Will I get a letter informing me of my infraction? Will someone come to my house to document the presence of chickens? Will I be given a reasonable amount of time to find homes for them, or will I immediately be assessed a fine?

Hopefully, even if I'm turned in, the magic of bureaucracy will mean many months will pass before the county ever takes action to officially notify me of my infraction. Hopefully, county officials have much better things to do with their time than taking down illegal chicken owners. The adjacent city recently passed an ordinance legalizing backyard chickens. I wonder if I could argue for keeping mine until the county decides whether they will follow the lead of the surrounding cities and allow backyard hens. The idea is currently on the county commissioners agenda, but I'm doubting that legalizing backyard hens is much of a priority issue to the county.

What have been your experiences in your cities/counties?

 

[ChickenGirl3]

Hi Mrsbos,
I haven't got caught yet but in Cobb county there will be a letter on your door saying you have gotten a complaint, telling you to get rid of the chicken in 10 days if not you get fined 1000 dollars for each chicken. I say to heck with that person stand up for chickens! Have you ever watched food inc? If not you have to watch it! It is a good movie but horrible how they treat chickens, cow, pigs, ect.

STAND UP

!