Cities May Lose Ability To Restrict Backyard Chickens

By Dennis Lambert
Published: Wednesday, March 19, 2014 - 12:25pm
Updated: Wednesday, March 19, 2014 - 3:05pm

Arizona cities could soon lose their right to restrict people from keeping chickens and other fowl in their backyards. 

State Sen. David Farnsworth says there are people with allergies who can’t eat most of the eggs sold in stores because of what commercially raised chickens are fed. 

State Rep. Demion Clinco says the legislation supports what he calls a new model of urban farming and urban sustainability. 

But State Rep. John Kavanagh says neighbors have rights, too, like the right to relax by the pool, without interruption.

“This is about the right of their neighbors to enjoy the suburban or urban lifestyle which they've chosen. This is not Beverly Hillbillies," Kavanagh said.

The 5-3 vote Tuesday in the House Government Committee sends the measure to the full House.