Plano city leaders are studying the possibility of allowing residents to have backyard hens.
During the coronavirus pandemic, eggs have increased in price and are sometimes sold out in grocery stores, leading some to consider having their own supply. Casey Cutler, manager of Good Local Markets in Dallas, told The Dallas Morning News that her husband’s business, Urban Chicken, can’t keep up with the flood of requests for live chickens.
“Given the level of citizen interest in backyard hens, I’d like to have a discussion on that on a future agenda,” Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Anthony Ricciardelli said during a recent council meeting. He also suggested that staff research other cities that have enacted policies for raising chickens as well as any other relevant issues.
The issue is expected to be brought up during a June council meeting. It is hoped that by that time, the current COVID-19 emergency will subside.
Jamey Cantrell, Plano’s animal services director, said city staff is studying the pros and cons. A report will be presented to council members, who will decide what direction they want to take, he said.
On the plus side, owning hens could give residents their own supply of eggs, Cantrell said.
But Cantrell said he’s concerned that if owning chickens turns into a passing fad, the birds will end up at the animal shelter when the novelty wears off. He compared it to people who are set on getting a certain breed of dog without understanding the characteristics of the breed.
“Inevitably, those are the ones that end up at the shelter,” Cantrell said. “People see the movie Beethoven and think it will be great to get a St. Bernard. Then, they don’t know what to do with a 150-pound dog in the house, and we get to deal with the problem.”
Anyone who wants to raise chickens should consider what’s required to take care of them, Cantrell said.
