The village of East Syracuse Board of Trustees has decided to table voting on an amendment to local law that would make it illegal to raise chickens and other farm and wild animals on properties within the village.
This decision was made after a public hearing held at 7 p.m. on Aug. 3, where about ten residents voiced their opinions on the matter.
Although the amendment would affect all non-domestic house animals, such as goats, pigs and cows, the focus of the public hearing was that of chickens. The proposed amendment to the local law would defined the term “domestic animal” which includes, “dogs and cats, as well as other common household pets, such as fish, hamsters, gerbils, and birds.” Any other animals would not be allowed.
While there were residents both in favor and against chickens being allowed in the village, most of the residents that spoke at the public hearing were in favor of the village looking into the regulation of allowing certain animals on properties.
“It’s not fair for people who are taking care of their chickens properly,” said Matt Parker, a village resident who raises chickens on his property. “I urge the board to look into this matter further.”
Resident Nancy Carr brought up the fact that raising chickens are allowed in many cities and villages within the United States, including Ventura, CA, Portland, OR, and Sacremento, CA.
“I pay taxes on my house, I try to do whatever I can do to be a good citizen,” said village resident and chicken owner Muris Neimarliga. “We should do something about the people who are mistreating animals, not punish those who take care of theirs.”
The topic regarding banning chickens was first discussed at the July 6 village board meeting. According to Village Code Enforcement Officer Randy Capriotti, there are a handful of village properties with chickens that citizens have complained about in regards to noise, smell and aesthetic value of the property. Capriotti said the village office gets about six of these complaints a week and, under the current law, there is nothing he can do.
In addition, Village Clerk Pat Derby said the company contracted to pick up garbage in the village has complained about people throwing away chicken droppings in their regular trash.
“I think the best thing we can do is look into the matter further,” said Mayor Robert Tackman at the Aug. 3 meeting. “The idea is to start a conversation on the resolution of the problem.”
The village board agreed to table the matter and look at alternative ways to address the complaints stemming from the chickens.
Hayleigh Gowans is a reporter for the Eagle Bulletin. She can be reached at [email protected].
