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Nap Town Chickens take up residence at Village Montessori School. (FILE photo: WISH-TV)

City allows chickens but bans roosters

Updated: Wednesday, 16 Jan 2013, 11:18 AM EST
Published : Wednesday, 16 Jan 2013, 11:18 AM EST

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - Officials in South Bend have approved an ordinance making it legal for residents to keep chickens in town.

But they'll be lonely chickens, because the ordinance won't allow any roosters.

The South Bend Tribune reports the city council approved the ordinance by a 6-3 vote Monday.

The ordinance allows residents to keep up to six hens, which can provide their owners with fresh, organic eggs. But noisy roosters aren't allowed because of their crowing.

Chickens may not be butchered or raised commercially. Pens must be at least 20 feet from the nearest home. Owners must obtain a $20 permit.

St. Joseph County resident Bill Sykes opposed the ordinance, expressing concern that it could be unenforceable and could result in "chickens wandering around in the alleys in South Bend."

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