Earlier this summer, an Alton resident that keeps chickens in his backyard came to the city council with concerns he may be forced to get rid of the animals. He and many others can breathe easier, as the city council has given final approval to an ordinance allowing city residents to keep the poultry. Residents are allowed to keep 5 chickens; hens only...no roosters.
One concern some aldermen had was over noise issues, but chicken owner Meredith Elliott says that is normally not an issue. She says they had to battle some common misconceptions.
Elliott comments
She says this is not like a family farm where there are so many chickens that sanitation become a problem. Supporters say they have reached out to neighboring communities, offering guidance if residents would like to get a backyard chicken ordinance on their books as well.
(Copyright WBGZ Radio/ www.AltonDailyNews.com )
