Strathmore’s proposed urban hen bylaw was back up for review by town council this week. The council passed the first reading of the bylaw during the May 4 regular council meeting and heard from members of the public about the benefits of urban hens, but also the current avian flu outbreak in Alberta.

The Urban Hen Bylaw No. 22-08, would allow residents to participate in urban agriculture in the town. The bylaw outlines the role, requirements, and expectations associated with licensing hens and penalties specified to accurately reflect each contravention.

One member of the public who had hens in the city of Calgary said, “I think it’s a wonderful idea, I think it goes with our new town theme, ‘Rural Re-imagined.’”

The town also heard from Dr. Jodi Viste, from the Animal Care Centre, a local veterinarian.

She raised concerns about how avian flu is transmitted. She asked the council to put the bylaw on hold until the current avian flu outbreak has passed.

Viste asked the council to change their mindset about the issue. She explained that urban hens are not pets, like a dog or a cat. They will be used for food production and consumption.

“These are not pets, these are food-producing animals, there is a human food consumption factor in this,” said Viste. “People are going to be eating the chickens or the eggs,” she said. She asked that there be a proper requirement for education in the bylaw.

In the discussion, the town council covered items like licensing, training and education, responsible ownership and health risks regarding avian flu.

Councillor Denise Peterson raised the issue which has been circulating the news cycle and on social media about avian flu.

Mayor Pat Fule spoke about council’s duty to make decisions in the best interest of the majority of residents in Strathmore. He spoke of Strathmore having a population of about 14,000 with only a small number of people interested in backyard hens who showed their interest to the council. He also revealed that he too was also concerned about the issue of avian flu.

The bylaw passed second reading and will come back before the council for third reading potentially in June 2022.

 

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