Image Credit: File photo
May 10, 2016 - 10:30 AM
KAMLOOPS - Chickens could soon be your new neighbours.
Council is being asked to send a set of changes to a bylaw regulating hens within city boundaries to public hearing.
In the proposed changes, properties a minimum of 370 square meters in size will be allowed between two and five hens. Roosters and female chickens under three months will not be permitted.
Additional rules cover items such as slaughtering, manure storage and body disposal. The hens will also need to be registered and not used for commercial purposes.
A memo accompanying the suggested bylaw notes WildSafe B.C. and the Ministry of Envrironment conservation service recommend making sure chickens don’t attract wildlife, while the B.C. SPCA does not support urban hens at all. It also mentions health issues brought forth by Interior Health, including potential disease transmission.
Council discussed urban hens at a recent workshop, with concerns brought forth about health, biowaste, property size and the enforceability of the bylaw. Councillors in favour of the bylaw changes compared hens to other pets such as dogs and cats.
Staff is now asking council to send the proposed changes to public hearing. Council will decide if the bylaw is ready for the public's eyes during a regular council meeting today, May 10, with a pubilc hearing expected on the matter June 14.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2016