Font ResizeThe board heard from Animal Control Officer Earl Hamel that at least two roosters whose raucous crowing at all hours had disturbed neighbors were now gone. For folks who want to keep chickens solely for egg laying and not breeding, roosters are not needed, Hamel said.
For those who want a rooster in the hen house, however, Hamel asked the board to consider calling for a permit and annual inspections, even if the number of chickens is less than five, the current number requiring a permit.
In his view, loose chickens and roosters are no different than wandering dogs in terms of disturbing neighbors. But while the town has a leash law that he can enforce, with fines if necessary, there's no similar bylaw pertaining to chickens.
"I'd really like to resolve this issue," Hamel said, noting that chicken-keeping is becoming more popular in town, with about a dozen new locations since the board last discussed the issue.
-- M. E. Jones
