Urban Hens in Vernon

City moves ahead with pound for livestock
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Published: May 12, 2009 7:00 PM

Urban hens are taking flight in Vernon, but that means officials must handle anyone breaking the law.

On Monday, council instructed staff to determine whether a private contractor is interested in setting up a pound for chickens, rabbits or any other livestock.

“Perhaps a local farmer would take on this responsibility and look after loose cattle,” said Clint Kanester, bylaw enforcement manager.

“It gives us a place where the animals can be cared for before they are disposed of through auction.”

In previous years, staff have had problems with livestock being loose in residential areas and finding someone who would capture the animals and care for them.

“Should council wish to implement an urban hen program, impound regulations and a pound may be required to ensure regulated numbers are maintained,” states a staff report.

Coun. Buffy Baumbrough supports backyard hens as a way of increasing food security among residents, and she also backs establishing a livestock pound.

“If someone is in contravention of the bylaw, what do we do with the hens?” said Baumbrough.

But Coun. Jack Gilroy is concerned that city staff will be running around town checking on animals.

“I want to make sure this isn’t going to create a bylaw nightmare,” he said.

It will cost about $6,000 a year for a livestock pound contract and it’s anticipated that the city will earn about $400 a year in permit fees from 20 properties with four hens each.

In terms of allowing backyard hens, there will be restrictions on where the chicken coop can be located in a yard and in relation to the property lines.

However, that has Coun. Shawn Lee questioning whether a building permit will be required for the coop.

“You’re not just throwing up a bunch of chicken wire. You need a decent building to do it,” he said.