Secondhand Stories Chicken Sanctuary has released a detailed report urging Smiths Falls town council to reject the proposed Backyard Hen Pilot Program, citing serious concerns related to public health, animal welfare, and a complete lack of infrastructure to support the initiative.
In a media release, the non-profit sanctuary says the proposed by-law, which has enough support heading into the final vote Tuesday night, fails to address several areas of concern.
The organization, which is based in Rideau Lakes, says the the by-law excludes plans for veterinary care or animal sheltering, and does not require the registration or licensing for new chicken owners.
The original proposed by-law included the requirement for chicken owners to register with the town, but staff removed it following council direction.
They also say there’s no infrastructure to respond to abandoned or neglected birds, and there’s an inherent additional risk of bring “Bird Flu,” to the town.
Secondhand Stories Chicken Sanctuary says they requested a delegation at tonight’s meeting, but were “informed that there was no space on the agenda.”
“If a dog or cat were kept under the same conditions as this bylaw allows for chickens, there would be outrage. We know chickens are sentient individuals capable of feeling joy, grief, and pain, so why do we accept so much less for them?” Sanctuary co-owner Liz Wheeler said in a statement.
Councillors Chris McGuire, Jennifer Miller and Peter McKenna, as well as Mayor Shawn Pankow have expressed their support for the project.
Councillors Dawn Quinn, Jay Brennan and Stephen Robinson have openly opposed the idea since the early discussions.
A public survey of residents showed seven out of ten respondents are in favour of backyard chickens.
myFM’s reached out to the organization for further comment, and will be covering council’s decision Tuesday night.
Story by Grant Deme