Council Approves Chicken Ordinance On First Reading
Chicken done right in city limits will offer fresh eggs, an opportunity for children to raise pets, and a reduction in unwanted bugs among other benefits, proponents of an urban agriculture ordinance told Casper City Council on Tuesday.
Chickens will be no more of a problem with their odors and noise than dogs and cats, they won't burden city agencies such as Metro Animal Services, and they won't attract any more predators than are already here, they said during a public hearing.
Bullfeathers, critics said.
"We live in the city limits," Bonnie Foster said. "If I wanted chickens, I'd live in the county."
City council approved the proposed ordinance on a 5-2 vote. Those voting in favor were Mayor Charlie Powell, Vice Mayor Daniel Sandoval, Shawn Johnson, Robin Mundell and Bob Hopkins. Steve Cathey and Craig Hedquist voted no. Council members Kenyne Schlager and Ray Pacheco were absent.
Before the public hearing, City Manager John Patterson told the council that changing the ordinance about certain birds including chickens and turkeys came as a result of a citizen-driven initiative.