Backyard chickens give you a fowl mood? Kitchener wants to know

You might not care why the chicken crossed the road, but if you have an opinion on whether you or your neighbour should be allowed to have backyard chickensthe City of Kitchener would like to hear yourcooped-up thoughts.

The city has posted an online survey on its websitelooking for input from residents about its bylaw regarding backyard chickens.

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"Basically what we're looking for from residents is if they believe chickens should be permitted and if they do not support chickens, would they consider them if there were restrictions put in place such as setback requirements and inspections," said Gloria MacNeil, the city's interim director of bylaw enforcement.

Bylaw suspended for review

The issue of backyard chickens came to a head last summer when Kitchener resident Heidi Wall was told she had to get rid of her four backyard chickens in July.

The media attention and public complaints to the city prompted the city's bylaw department to suspend enforcement of the ban. Staff asked council for permission to conduct a review of the bylaw.

MacNeil said they're about midway through that process.

"We've been doing some research, looking at other municipalities that currently allow backyard chickens, looking at what their bylaws look like," she said.

Survey first step:consultation

MacNeil said they want to hear from both sides of the issue and get as many surveys as possible. As of Thursday afternoon, there were more than 200 responses.

The survey will remain online on the city's website until June 17, but MacNeil said that could be extended if they're still receiving feedback.

"This is the first step in our public consultation and engagement piece," she said. "We will also be following up with having an open house type meeting for any residents that can come and express their opinions or concerns in regards to backyard chickens before we actually go forward to council with any recommendations."