March 28, 2024

Lynnville OKs domestic chickens ordinance

LYNNVILLE — At its recent meeting, the Lynnville City Council approved domestic chickens to reside within city limits. The approval is limited to only female chickens, or hens, and all other fowls currently barred from the city will continue at that status.

The council set additional limitations that the domestic chickens should be kept within the boundaries of the person’s property to prevent the animal from being at-large and if the animal does become at-large it will be in violation of the ordinance and can be disposed of by the city or its designee.

The property is also to be maintained daily to prevent the accumulation of waste and offensive odors. Finally, in the event that an avian influenza outbreak would occur in Lynnville, all domestic chickens or other fowl will be euthanized and property disposed of due to the risk of the public’s health.

The ordinance was subject to three readings, first appearing on the agenda in September.

Newton City Administrator Bob Knabel said domestic chickens are allowed within city limits with certain limitations. Only property owners with one acre of land or more can have the animals in town. The Newton code also states that no stabling, grazing or tethering area for such livestock is to be located closer than 100 feet from any residential dwelling on a neighboring property.

“We have had no issues with chicken cases that I am aware of,” Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess said.

Burdess also said there are no requirements on registering any domestic chickens through the department, similarly to dogs or cats.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com