Backyard chickens are a growing phenomenon across the United States, but did you know that many municipalities have limited ordinances looking out for their welfare? If your city allows backyard chickens, there's a good chance that animal welfare requirements to protect the health and safety of both chickens and people aren't in place.
We're calling for cities to direct their staff to review existing ordinances and guidance on backyard chickens and consider how it might be improved. In addition to limiting the number of chickens, barring slaughter, and imposing setbacks to keep coops away from homes, for example, cities could require vaccination for infectious diseases, and require a use permit to install a coop. This would create an opportunity for city staff to inspect the housing conditions for backyard chickens to determine if it's appropriate.
Some cities have approached this problem by tightening up ordinances and administering chicken licensing through the local humane society. This provides an excellent education intervention point to make sure people know what they're doing with chicken care, understanding the need for high quality food, good ventilation, and housing secured against dogs, raccoons, and other predators.
Protect your neighborhood flock today: We think it's an eggcellent idea to ask your city to take a closer look at poultry regulations!
Photo credit: Garrett Heath
