There has been alot of activity in Columbus lately regarding the urban chicken movement.

At the center of the controversy are Worthington residents Andy and Lael Rozmiarek,  who have asked Worthington City Council to change an 1973 ordinance that essentially bans the keeping of chickens in backyards in the city (within 150 feet of any residence, other than their owners).  Worthington already has a law that prohibits keeping animals that  “create offensive odors, excessive noise or unsanitary conditions which are a menace to the health, comfort or safety of the public.”

The Columbus Dispatch : Ann Fisher commentary: City should welcome urban chickens.

The above article was blogged about in Mother Earth News’ Happy Homesteader blog with some interesting comments about how ordinances are inappropriate broad-stroke reactions to a few cases of irresponsible animal owners.

Unfortunately as covered by This Week on Feb. 10th, the hens in question were killed by a couple of loose dogs.  The Rozmiareks say the fence was cut to let in the dogs.  Police said they found no evidence of this or footprints at the scene. The owner of the dogs has been cited.

Andy Rozmiarek plans to continue to ask council to change the ordinance.  If you live in Worthington please contact your City Council members and City manager Matt Greeson to support removing the chicken ban ordinance and support laws that allow responsible animal ownership, even if those animals are traditionally considered farm animals.

by Mayda