Raising livestock and other animals is a longstanding tradition in Texas towns but up until now, Weatherford has not permitted residents in the city limits to keep chickens.
The Weatherford City Council discussed an ordinance at its meeting Feb. 26 that would allow chickens in the city.“In recent months, we’ve seen an increase of interest in chickens,” Assistant City Manager Sharon Hayes said.The ordinance proposes that chickens be allowed in the city limits but not roosters, no more than four hens and their coops must be kept clean as well as at least 50 feet from neighboring property.But instead of reaching a decision during the meeting, the members decided to wait until after they get more feedback from citizens about the decision.Council member Waymon Hamilton said the residents he spoke with did not mind allowing chickens, as long as they kept the coops clean.But council member Jeff Robinson found the opposite true for the 15 citizens he spoke with, 14 of whom opposed the idea.“The ones I talked to were almost unanimously against it,” Robinson said. “I want to vote for what the majority wants.”Wilder and Robinson both expressed concerns that this new ordinance would be hard to enforce and could cause a new strain on the animal control officers whose job it would be to respond to calls and complaints.“I don’t think it’s going to overburden us in the complaint department,” City Manager Jerry Blaisdell said.Blaisdell also pointed out that raising chickens could be another option for children wanting to take part in raising animals for different organizations’ competitions but cannot afford livestock.Wilder said the chickens could become a nuisance to neighbors with dogs since they might have trouble controlling their own pets with chickens next door.“Humans are not the only people who like a good chicken dinner,” Robinson said.Robinson said allowing chickens only on property larger than 2 acres could solve many of the issues raised, but Hamilton said that insisting the coop be at least 50 feet from neighboring property already excludes residents living on small tracts of land.“I have nothing against having chickens in the city limits personally,” Mayor Dennis Hooks said.The ordinance will be discussed further at a future meeting after more advertising and information is given to the public.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
