A spat over backyard chickens has erupted between two neighbours living on a street named after the agricultural interests of its residents.
Glen and Arlene Ramsdale of Garden Avenue returned from a month-long vacation in early May to find a chicken coop built practically on their property line, less than three metres from their home, and filling the view from the small window in their den.
Arlene has survived three bouts with cancer and is concerned her health could suffer with chickens living next door.
“I have a compromised immune system,” she said.
“I shouldn’t be exposed to all of this and our one grandchild has respiratory problems, plus he has allergies.”
Thunder Bay City Council is set to consider a bylaw on Monday that would allow for up to six chickens to be raised under certain restrictions in urban back yards.
Backyard chicken coops are currently against the law but city bylaw officers are only addressing coops on a complaint basis.
“I want to know how the city intends to enforce this bylaw should they amend it because they’re not enforcing the one that’s in place as it is,” Arlene said.
Gary vehemently opposes the proposed bylaw on principle but added the henhouse would violate the changes it suggests.
“If (the bylaw) does come into play, where the building is now is inappropriate. It’s far too close,” he said.
If the bylaw passes, Gary foresees predators and vermin urbanizing and bringing a host of health problems to the city.
“We’re lucky. The people in the city, they have five butting properties. If you take five properties times six, that’s 30 chickens. Wait until the rats find out about that,” he said.
“Once there’s more chickens, the raccoon population will go up. They designate the raccoon as vicious. Children will be bitten, the hospitals will be trying to take care of it. We’re asking for problems to increase in our city with our children and with adults.
“Just down the road last year, a fellow was dragged – 300 pounds, a big gentleman – by a bear. What’s going to happen with a child that’s two years old? Death.”
Like many who are raising chickens in urban backyards contrary to the existing bylaw, neighbour Anna Khanjari is moved by a commitment to organic eggs free of genetic modification.
She said she feeds them well and feels confident in their ethical treatment.
She uses shavings to stamp out the smell of manure and contains it in composters at the treeline behind her property.
Khanjari’s coop houses seven chickens, one more than would be legal under the proposed bylaw change. Should it pass, she’s prepared to move the coop.
“If that’s what the bylaw says, we’d have to move it, yes,” Khanjari said.
“I’m willing to abide by any laws or restrictions they put in there, just like a dog. You have to get a license for a dog and there are certain things you have to do for a dog or a cat and they should put those in for backyard chickens as well.
“I believe anyone who has backyard chickens would be willing to abide by those rules.”
