The welcome mat is no longer out for chickens and roosters in Chattanooga.
During a discussion of a new city livestock ordinance, Councilman Manny Rico said chickens are the main problem.
Councilman Rico said, "People coming in from a certain culture are used to keeping chickens. The people who have been here don't raise chickens in the city. They know it's not right."
Councilman Rico, the only Hispanic on the council, made a motion that chickens not be allowed in the city.
Councilman Dan Page seconded the motion, then he said he did have concerns about how many people in more rural areas of the city keep chickens.
The council finally added an amendment that those keeping chickens must have at least five acres of property.
Councilman Jack Benson said, "That makes it a rich man's game."
The measure on chicken and roosters was approved by the council's legal and legislative committee and next goes to the full council.