Brock considers backyard hens in rural and hamlet zones

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

BROCK: Discussions centred on a proposed regulatory framework to permit the keeping of backyard hens in Rural Residential (RR) and Hamlet Residential (HR) zones at Brock Township's council meeting on Monday, September 23rd.

This initiative stems from ongoing public interest in urban farming, in particular, backyard chickens. While maintaining compliance with the township's Exotic Animal By-law, which currently restricts livestock, including chickens, to agricultural zones.

The township's existing Exotic Animal By-law prohibits residents from keeping livestock, including chickens, except in designated agricultural areas. Chickens are defined as livestock due to their agricultural use. Earlier this year, at their meeting on July 15th, councillors received a report from staff recommending against allowing backyard chickens in non-agricultural zones. The primary concerns were tied to public health risks, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), and potential issues with vermin and predators.

Despite these concerns, the council decided to pursue an alternative approach. A resolution was passed, allowing backyard hens in rural residential and hamlet zones, with a directive for staff to draft a report detailing recommended fees and regulations.

In the September 23rd report, township staff suggested several key amendments to the Exotic Animal By-law, laying out a clear framework for the regulation of backyard hens in RR and HR zones. After reviewing comparable municipal by-laws and discussing enforcement methods with neighbouring municipalities, the report proposed no licensing requirement for keeping hens, as fees would not sufficiently cover administrative costs. Instead, enforcement would occur in cases of non-compliance, akin to existing property regulations, such as fencing rules.

A draft by-law, appended to the report, outlines the proposed changes. It also indicates that further review by the Ministry of Attorney General (MAG) is required, particularly for a new set of fines associated with the by-law.

The report indicated no immediate financial implications for the township, aside from potential enforcement costs, which would be addressed in future protection and enforcement budgets. It also noted that backyard hens posed no significant climate change impacts.

The council will forward the draft by-law to the Ministry of Attorney General for feedback before a final vote at council's meeting on Monday, October 21st. Councillors remain focused on ensuring that backyard hens are regulated in a way that is both sustainable and protective of public health and safety. Residents will be able to access related information through an updated webpage, which will include resources from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), ensuring that backyard hen owners follow best practices for animal and public health.