Chicken Law Considered For Westwood

Westwood officials are considering creating rules for raising chickens because there are already at least 36 properties in the borough with the birds, Councilman Ray Arroyo said Tuesday.

The borough has received some complaints about properties with chickens, Arroyo said, but the zoning officer has not taken any action because there is currently no law. Mayor John Birkner also said one resident had brought concerns to him that they could attract rodents.

"If we introduce this to the public, I expect some feathers to fly," Arroyo said.

The practice of raising chickens for eggs and meat has become increasingly popular in recent years as part of the sustainability and homesteading movements, but the practice remains outlawed in some towns.

Arroyo suggested Tuesday that the future ordinance could mirror those passed in other area towns, which limit the number of chickens and require minimum lot sizes for the birds to be allowed. The practice of raising chickens in the borough would be overseen by both zoning laws and the Board of Health, he said.

Councilman Peter Grefrath said the Board of Health had also already discussed the issue at a recent meeting.

Arroyo said he expected officials could get some backlash from chicken owners over the law.

"It's contentious," Arroyo said. "They want to raise their chickens."

Do you raise chickens in Westwood? What do you think should be allowed? Share your thoughts below.

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