All it will take is Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett's okay on the city council's ordinance to be able to keep a few hens in your city backyard. (He has seven days to decide.) Supporters feel it will get people outside more, interacting as they share eggs and reap natural fertilizer. They've already got hen keeping rights in Madison, a place where alternative foods ideas are commonplace.
This seemingly healthy idea has potential downsides, including the following:
Without a proper set-up, the hens could be in danger from area cats or unsupervised kids. So, who will visit home coops to make sure the areas are in compliance? In these times of budget cuts, how can Milwaukee afford to pay people to keep on top of this?
The city certainly does not need breeding grounds for disease from those who don't follow the rules. And though the chances might be small, living in close contact with birds does pose a risk if and when the bird flu resurfaces.
I actually like the idea of natural, fresh food despite the potential problems this ordinance. Chickens are apparently quieter than dogs (no roosters will be allowed). And fresh eggs are always better than store-bought ones. But the fact you can only keep them for eggs and not for poultry seems a bit wasteful. Instead, the beloved hens' ashes may end up in urns on the mantel next to Rover's and Fido's.
Mayor Barrett has pledged to try to "not ruffle anyone's feathers" regarding this ordinance. Look for his decision early next week to see if he manages to pull it off.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comments:
This is "take two" on the chicken ordinance piece without the groaners. Both versions have their place.
Post a Comment