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Panel talks chicken ordinance

Havre residents would be limited to 4 chickens, pay $100 for permit

Havre City Council may soon get a modified proposal to allow people to have chickens on their property.

Under a plan considered by the council’s Ordinance Committee Monday, chickens would be allowed with strict regulations.

Four chickens would be allowed per property, no chickens would be allowed on apartment building lots, there would be strict setback requirements and all neighbors would have to agree before a permit was issued for chickens.

Permits would cost $100, and chickens could not be kept in side yards.

Proponents in the audience expressed displeasure with the restrictions.

“I struggle to figure out why this is such a controversial issues,” said Wanda Meredith, a proponent.

She said was reading a story that listed the 100 best cities to live in. Four Montana cities were on the list, and all four allow chickens, she said.

Supporters of chickens offered an alternative set of regulations. their plan calls for a $15 a year fee or a $100 lifetime fee and require that would-be chicken owners notify neighbors but not get their approval.

While proponents were displeased with the Ordinance Committee proposal, committee members said their plan was a compromise between the supporters and the widespread opposition they have heard from the community at large.

“I get a lot of opinions from people who are against chickens,” said Councilman Allen “Woody” Woodwick, who said he would support the compromise plan.

“I’ve received a lot of comments,” said Committee Chair Andrew Brekke. “An overwhelming majority are against it (allowing chickens).”

One woman in the audience said she opposed the chicken ordinance and said she once had problems with neighbors keeping chickens on their property. She called city officials and the chickens were removed.

“If they want to have chickens, move out of town,” she said. “Then they can have all the chickens they want.”

Supporters of allowing chickens said several Montana cities have recently adopted chicken ordinances, and none have had any problems.

Interim Police Chief Gabe Matosich asked what facilities are available for housing stray chickens that officers may confiscate.

Supporters said they would make arrangements for people to house stray chickens.

Tristen Mills, a supporter of chickens, asked why the laws concerning chickens were more stringent than those concerning dogs.

“Dogs can be far more of a nuisance,” he said.

Brekke said the difference is that under the law, dogs and cats are considered pets, while chickens are livestock.

He said that the stricter regulations may placate some of the opposition to the plan.

Committee members agreed to meet again Monday, March 23, at 6 p.m., in the City Council chambers, to finalize the proposal. The committee will then pass the recommendation to City Council, which will probably hold a hearing before deciding on the plan.

 

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