ACHTUNG: The following is not a “fair and balanced” story. It is an editorial by the editor.
Former Vice President Al Gore years ago produced a film, “An Inconvenient Truth,” which attempted to make a strong case for doing something about climate change, otherwise known as global warming.
Closer to home, the Wayland City Council this coming week is likely to ride the wave of “A Convenient Truth” to avoid having to make a controversial and potentially unpleasant decision about a proposed local chicken ordinance.
Council members last month learned about the existence of a nearby turkey production facility that may preclude the City of Wayland from adopting a new ordinance allowing residents to raise chickens in their back yards. A representative from the Cooperative Extension Service at Michigan State University Oct. 1 recommended against permitting raising chickens if there is a poultry production facility located within four miles.
So the presence of such a facility within that four miles, the Dan Dykstra farm operation on 136th Avenue, could doom an ordinance to let up to 10 residents to raise chickens on their properties.
A new proposed ordinance has been prepared and crafted by City manager Josh Eggleston, but now it appears council members now have an excuse not to adopt a new ordinance. Those uncomfortable with permitting chickens within the city limits as a result can maintain their hands are tied by rules and recommendations dealing with nearby poultry facilities.
The proposed rules now under study would permit up to four chickens on as many as 10 properties within the city limits and set fees for maintaining them. They would be permitted by the zoning enforcement administrator, Professional Code Inspections.
But it looks like the question now is moot. Advocates of raising chickens within the city limits may already have lost their battle.
The big guys win again. Because they have a right to profiteer. Residents cannot collect a couple fresh eggs nor have a a Sunday chicken dinner they raised. Watching a few fowl was a joy for my 100 year old mother. Why are a quartet of cats OK but chickens are not?
As far as I find from looking for laws against having chickens within 4miles of a Turkey farm I have found none.
The Turkey farms are concerned about a disease called “blackhead ” .
Most commercial operations have sanitizing stations anyone entering their facility must pass thru inculcating viechles.
Has anyone checked on whether either Dorr and Hopkins township prohibit raising chickens in the 4 mile radius of the Dykstra Farm … my guess is no.
I realize no commercial operation wants to lose a flock…but if chicken owners keep their operations sanitary both operations could live without fear
I do not live in Wayland, or Hopkins, but live darn close ( I believe closer than 4 miles of the turkey farm do think Dorr township would have a hard time stopping me from having a few birds.
The governing body of the city of Wayland is just running scared from a problem they know is currently very unpopular..especially just before election.
Years ago growing up on the farm we raised both chickens and turkeys with out problems…the secret is keep the operation sanitary .