Why You Should Say No To Chickens

Why You Should Say No to Chickens

Dear Editor,

On Monday, Aug. 20, 5:30 p.m., the Glasgow City Council will have a first reading of referendum 959, Chickens in Glasgow City Limits. At that time, there will be open forum for comments, pro and con. At that point, the council will take whatever next step is needed.

On the surface, those that presented the pro chicken voice didn’t sound too bad. Cities that allow chicken coups in backyards and don’t seem to have trouble include Billings, Bozeman, Butte and Portland, Ore. However, these cities have animal control officers. We have the Glasgow Police Department. Unfortunately, real crime is on the up. Our policemen should not have another “why can’t the police do something” on their shoulders. They already get slack for dogs at large because pet owners aren’t responsible. Will Mayor Erickson have to add another position, animal control officers, to an already tight budget? Scobey, Mont., voted down chickens in town.

Disease is also an issue. Chicken disease is contagious to humans are many. West Nile Virus, Salmonellosis (several strains), E-Coli, and the toxins in chicken feces that can go airborne can cause many lung infections. For a more detailed account, Google “Chicken Disease in Humans.” Even with home-raised chickens, salmonellosis can be an issue. I too, enjoy fresh farm eggs. I buy them from farmers that raise chickens for eggs and meat. (What will happen to old hens when their egg laying days are over?)

Next, sub-search for “Chicken Feces Diseases” if salmonella and E-coli and WNV are not scary enough for you. In that report, it says children under five or people over 65 are more susceptible to the bacteria and fungal diseases.

It was said that children will learn compassion, responsibility and get emotional therapy from hands-on contact with chickens. There are feral ‘domestic’ rabbits of all colors around town, especially on the south side. I think the first generation of these rabbits was given to kids in their Easter basket for the same reason.

There are just a few of my concerns. The only way I would consider changing my mind is if the persons applying for a permit had to have neighbor approval in a signed petition form.

Whether you are pro or con – go to the meeting, 5:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 20, at the City Council meeting in the Glasgow Recreation Center.

Shirley and LeRoy Siefert

Glasgow, Mont.