Seekonk Selectmen Approve Chickens Bylaw Change

Selectmen have given the go-ahead for a proposed amendment to the town’s zoning bylaws which would allow residents to keep a maximum of 12 chickens on their properties. Enforcement of the bylaw would be the responsibility of the animal control department, the zoning enforcement officer, and the police department.

“I think everybody should be able to have chickens,” said Animal Control Officer Sharonlynne Hall on Wednesday. Selectmen voted to refer the zoning bylaw change to the planning board, the board of health, and town legal counsel to find out if inspections are required. “We want to keep it simple and unburdensome on residents,” said town planner John Aubin. Voters at the fall town meeting will be asked to approve or reject the change.

Note: In response to a steady increase in the number of families raising small poultry flocks throughout the Commonwealth, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has developed a document titled “Best Management Practices for Backyard Poultry Keepers” to aid residential poultry producers in the methods of caring for poultry and of handling the waste products. The interest in raising small flocks is not limited to rural settings. MDAR’s Division of Animal Health has received requests for information from both residents and officials of suburban and urban areas alike. Before getting started, make sure to check with local city or town officials about complying with all local bylaws, ordinances, or permit requirements.

For more information: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/poultry-program