Seekonk Selectmen Mandate Chicken Inspections

Selectmen have mandated that chickens undergo biannual inspections as part of a proposed amendment to the town’s zoning bylaws. The board previously agreed to 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.

Animal Control Officer Sharonlynne Hall recommended annual inspections for the chickens. “I do think they need to be inspected just to make sure that the poop is cleaned up and isn’t causing a problem,” Hall explained. Selectman Justin Sullivan believed the inspections were not necessary. “We don’t want to put an undue burden on the new chicken owners,” Sullivan said Wednesday. “I don’t think there’s that much of a health risk when it comes to (owning) 12 chickens.” Other board members took a more rigid stance, believing inspections needed to occur. “I’ve had one chicken and the amount of (waste) generated by that one chicken is substantial,” said selectmen chairman David Andrade. Selectman David Viera wants the town to take precautions when it comes to allowing residents to own chickens. “If they’re not taken care of, it can be a nightmare,” Viera added.

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