The City Council is expected to finally put a new animal control ordinance into place - minus the backyard chickens.
A vote is set for next Tuesday.
The Council in July 2013 shelved the entire new ordinance mainly because of a ruckus over roosters and hens in neighborhoods.
Chairman Chip Henderson noted that this controversial item is not included in the new version. He joked, "I was just trying to find which section has the chickens in it."
Mike Mallen, chairman of the Animal Control Board, replied, "It is about six drafts ago. It is in the recycle bin."
Councilman Moses Freeman, who presided over a council committee meeting, said the new ordinance appears "to be more routine with little controversy."
The ordinance includes five different permits. There is a $300 fee for dealer permits and for kennel permits. A permit is required for animal rescuers, but there is no charge. There is a permit for performing animals and one, that is already on the books, for restaurants with outdoor dining. There is a $50 fee. The restaurants are subject to random inspections by officers of the McKamey Animal Center.
Mollie Cooper of the mayor's staff will serve as support for the board.
Mr. Mallen noted that the board has been meeting on the issue for two years. It last met April 22.