The backyard hen debate in Smiths Falls continues.
For the third time since last April, the proposed backyard hen pilot project returned to council, only to be sent back for further revisions.
Councillor Chris McGuire supports moving the project forward but seeks clarification and suggests reducing the town staff’s burden—such as eliminating the licensing requirement.
During the meeting he said the onus should be on the owner of the chicken to ensure its safety and enclosure. McGuire noted the town doesn’t require residents to register cats or dogs, and an aggressive free-running dog would cause significantly more property damage than an on the loose chicken.
Councillors Jay Brennan, Dawn Quinn, and Stephen Robinson oppose the pilot, while Councillor Peter McKenna, Jennifer Miller and Mayor Shawn Pankow remain undecided but open to further discussion.
A public survey of 851 respondents showed a 70%-30% split in support of backyard chickens, with a 54%-45% division on if they’d have them in their own yards. One percent were undecided.
The initial decision to even draft the pilot program which was debated Monday was pushed through 4-2. Councillor Robinson was absent for that vote.
Town staff recommended rejecting the proposal, citing concerns over health and wildlife. Staff says with backyard chickens, there’s a risk of avian flu and attracting other wildlife to town who hunt chickens.
You can read the latest report here.
Story by Grant Deme