Loophole allows chickens in backyard      

[June 21, 2007]  EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) -- A family can allow their chickens to roam their backyard, despite complaints from a neighbor, because a new city ordinance is unclear, a city board ruled. Neil and Melissa Troost allow their six hens to run around their fenced backyard during the day but put the birds in a coop at night.

They contend that complies with an Evansville city ordinance that requires chickens be "kept" in a coop at least 50 feet from neighbors.

Their next-door neighbor, Bill Bryant, complained to the Animal Control and Education Commission Board that the birds are smelly and obnoxious.

"I just want to be able to go out with family or friends in my backyard to grill a hamburger without embarrassment," he said.

Board members said they intended the ordinance to restrict the hens at all times to an area at least 50 feet removed from a neighboring property.

But board president Marlin Beck said, "The ordinance does not say that, and you cannot enforce assumptions."

Board member Scott Thompson encouraged the Troosts to keep their chickens confined to a smaller area. He said the ordinance needed to be "tightened and polished."

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Information from: Evansville Courier & Press, http://www.courierpress.com

[Associated Press]