Ohio House Bill 175 would allow – but limit the number of - small livestock in a residential backyard based on overall acreage and the type of animal. The bill would also set conditions for the small livestock owners to follow.
RELATED: Pit bull wrongly accused of killing livestock set free
“If it’s adopted, it wouldn’t matter what we do,” West Carrollton City Manager Brad Townsend said. “It would pre-empt all of our (requirements) – as it’s written.”
Townsend said the bill – which has been assigned to the House Agriculture and Rural Development – is opposed by the Ohio Municipal League.
Meanwhile, West Carrollton residents are being asked to give their thoughts on permitting “urban livestock” in areas other than agricultural and some industrial districts.
RELATED: Chickens and rabbits may be allowed across Ohio
The city has posted a survey on its website. Aside from seeking the community’s interest, the short questionnaire also seeks feedback on what animals should be allowed and under what conditions.
“In fairness, I think a survey would be a very positive way getting feedback from some people who may not realize that they can’t have them,” Councilwoman Leanne Nash said.
“And this would give them an opportunity to realize what some of the problems are….and give the populace a chance to respond back,” she added. “Because what one person may think is OK” may not sit well with their neighbors.
RELATED: Huber Heights rejects allowing chickens
The survey is limited to West Carrollton residents only. It can be accessed through Jan. 24 at https://www.westcarrollton.org/urban-farm-animals-survey/.
Residents without access to the internet can call (937) 847-4634 to answer the questions by phone or request a mailed survey.
The questionnaire is “not necessarily a scientifically valid survey, but it will give a sense” of public attitudes, said West Carrollton Planning Director Greg Gaines.
RELATED: Dayton discusses allowing residents to raise chickens
Gaines said he began looking into the issue at the request of a West Main Street homeowner who appealed a city-issued citation for maintaining ducks as pets in coop. Had that instance not occurred, Gaines said he would have likely researched the issue because “it’s been trending around the country – Ohio included.”
One community - the Cincinnati suburb of Amberley Village – that was part of the city’s research permitted “domesticated chickens” in May 2012 legislation.
The village noted several cities – including Cincinnati and its suburbs of Deer Park, Norwood, Montgomery, Madiera, Wyoming, Glendale, Milford, Terrace Park and Indian Hill – have approved similar measures.
RELATED: Chickens still banned in Beavercreek
About the Author
