Heather Wright/The Independent

A St. Clair Township woman wants to keep her backyard chickens, but her bid to change the township’s bylaw banning was not greeted warmly. 

Annette Wares came to council Monday asking councillors to approve the ownership of up to eight chickens in residential areas. “As rural areas expand and lifestyles evolve, the idea of keeping chickens in backyards is not just a quaint notion, it supports various psychological, physical and nutritional benefits that are too significant to ignore,” she said.

Wares says the animals help people with anxiety remain calm. She believes backyard chickens promote “sustainable living and food independence” and “can help with pest control” by foraging for insects, ticks, mice and rats.

“We are asking that the amendment be made today so that we can keep our current flock and maintain a healthy gain already experienced, and that other St. Clair residents can enjoy the backyard hobby without fear of being reported or losing their pets and healthy supply,” Wares added, saying bylaw enforcement officers had visited her home after a neighbour found a rodent in their barbecue and blamed the family’s backyard coop for attracting it.

Two other residents wrote to council, concerned about the possibility of rodents being attracted by the chickens and their food. “Both Dale and I have noticed rats dropping in our yard and have seen rats as well. I have lived here since 1987 and never encountered rats or dropping in our yard until chickens were illegally housed,” wrote Cathy Lockery.

“We already have an abundance of rats in and around our property,” said Miranda Hanniman in a letter to council.

Several council members were also not interested in the idea. “I will not support livestock in towns and villages,” said Deputy Mayor Steve Miller.

Councillor Heather Foster agreed. “I’ve had multiple complaints from before this was even brought in from residents about chickens…. I’m definitely would not be in agreement of having chickens in residential area.

Councillor Cathy Langis asked staff to look into the matter but warned Wares, “We have to think about everybody, not just the ones that think this is great. We have to think about the ones that are really nervous about having them in their neighborhood.”

Staff said the Wares may keep their flock until the matter returns to council for a decision, likely in early September.