Wyandotte resident Josh Affholter (left), who communicated with the City Council through an American Sign Language interpreter during its Aug. 26 meeting, was denied his request to be allowed to have chickens in his backyard.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
WYANDOTTE – Resident Josh Affholter’s request to be allowed to have chickens in his backyard was denied Aug. 26 by the City Council, citing an ordinance that prohibits farm animals.
Affholter, who communicated with the council through an American Sign Language interpreter, first approached the council for an exemption in July.
Other residents have approached the council about chickens in the past, after which the ordinance was strengthened to prohibit the fowl presence.
The city ordinance permits indoor birds, such as parrots, finches, cockatiels and parakeets, but forbids chickens, roosters, ducks, turkeys, pheasants, geese, quail, grouse, partridges and pigeons (with the except of racing pigeons).
Fowl may not be considered household pets, and may not be kept within 500 feet of any dwelling, street, alley or public place.
Furthermore, the city ordinance states that no person or entity may own, possess, maintain, keep, board or harbor any wild animal, wild domestic hybrid animal, any animal that would be a nuisance because of odor, noise, or pose a danger to the public, or any animal that is not a domesticated companion animal within the city.
City Engineer Jesus Plascenia and City Attorney William Look issued a memo to the council indicating that the city’s residential lots are smaller than those in a rural community, and do not offer yards large enough to accommodate chickens.
They also indicated that rats and mice are attracted to chicken waste, and eggs, as well as their food and water.
Concern over flies and other insect pests, as well as odor and noise, were also mentioned.
They also mentioned the Center for Disease Control’s warnings about salmonella outbreaks that have been linked to backyard poultry.
Affholter said that the benefits of keeping chicken include access to fresh eggs, as well as community engagement and educational opportunities.
He said several of his neighbors support his request.
Affholter, who said he is the second generation of his family to live in his house, was visibly disappointed by the council’s decision.