City to debate urban chickens

Some Havre residents would like to see the city allow them to raise chickens in their yards.

So far, it looks like the city is reluctant to do that.

Havre resident Jacob Lorang said he is considering bringing chickens onto his property, but a city ordinance forbids people from having nondomesticated animals.

He said that about 10 people he knows of already have chickens on their property, and city officials are turning their heads the other way.

Lorang is asking supporters of pro-chicken laws to gather at the Havre-Hill County Library for a meeting, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 27. Everyone is invited, he said.

And City Councilman Andrew Brekke, chair of council’s Ordinance Committee, is calling a meeting for 6:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 9, to talk about the proposed ordinance.

Brekke is not enthusiastic about the idea.

He said lots of questions have to be answered, involving chicken droppings, noise, vermin attracted by the chicken waste and the possibility of chickens escaping to neighboring property.

And Public Works Director Dave Peterson wondered about dogs attacking the chickens.

Anyone who is aware that the people are violating the chicken laws should contact him right away, Brekke said, and he will check it out.

Lorang said he will have no roosters, so there should be no concern about noise, and chickens leave less waste behind than dogs, which are allowed under city ordinances.

Lorang said he would keep chickens under control and they wouldn't leave his property. And he said dog owners should be keeping their animals under control.

He said that anyone interested in his project can call him at 945-4021.

Several downstate Montana cities have dealt with the issue of urban chickens. Some have allowed people to keep chickens while others have not.

For instance, the city of Helena voted in favor of urban chickens, while East Helena rejected the idea.