Penhold council members had a bit of fun discussing an “urban chickens” bylaw March 11.
“I think the CAO wants to add a little flavour to the chicken and I'll turn it over to him,” said Mayor Dennis Cooper.
The Wild Domestic Animal and Poultry Bylaw currently prohibits any backyard chickens in the Town of Penhold said CAO Rick Binnendyk.
“The only thing we would ask is our preference is southern fried instead of a Kentucky,” Binnendyk said.
There are still a few more details on the subject to be explored, he added.
“I don't know what the health aspect is,” Binnendyk said. “I did make a couple of inquiries but didn't get any response.”
Coun. Kathy Sitter, who originally proposed the idea, said backyard chicken coops only stink if you don't clean them.
“I don't think it's something that should be pushed aside,” she said.
Coun. Danielle Klooster stressed she's in favour of urban agriculture.
“I'm in favour of local food,” she said, adding, “I would like to see the community be asked their feelings and thoughts on urban chickens.”
Cooper suggested urban chickens could be put on the discussion at an upcoming brunch.
“I think it would be a good addition to our community breakfast,” Cooper said.
Coun. April Jones wondered why council should single out chickens instead of including animals such as goats in a backyard animal bylaw.
Coun. Chad Hoffman agreed.
“We can't single out chickens,” he said.
Council voted to get the community's input on urban chickens at the next community breakfast by including the issue in the Penhold Reporter and online.
