posted August 16, 2005
City Council members are looking into possible new legislation aimed at curbing farm animals in the city.
Marisol Jimenez, local teacher who works with the Hispanic community, said many Hispanics are used to keeping farm animals and don't know local laws about it.
"I'm not sure we do either," said Councilman Jack Benson, who heads the legal and legislative committee.
Mike McMahan, assistant city attorney, said there are ordinances dealing with swine and goats. But there are apparently no sections of the code dealing with chickens, horses and cows.
But Councilman Benson said some citizens are complaining that crowing roosters are waking them up early in the morning.
He also said there is a question about keeping miniature horses in the city. He said he visited a residence with the tiny horses. He said, "A lot of dogs are bigger than these horses."
Attorney McMahan said that on horses and cows, their owners just need to have adequate facilities to care for them.
Marilyn Jolly, who lives on Elmwood Drive at the foot of Stringer's Ridge, said renters next door at a 50-foot lot have brought in a host of animals.
She said they started out with chickens, roosters and rabbits. Of the latter breed, she said, "I understand they eat them."
Mrs. Jolly told council members, "I believe they also had fighting cocks."
She said the renters "brought in two goats, then the next Saturday, two more goats."
Council members said they will delve more into the farm animal issue at future committee sessions.
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