The city of Boonville, MO does not have clear rules in their animal ordinances regarding chickens, including roosters. We would like chickens to be allowed inside the city limits. If the chickens are contained in a safe and clean environment, why shouldn’t it be allowed.

Here is the current ordinance:

Sec. 4-31. - Certain animals prohibited in city limits.
It shall be unlawful to keep, harbor, own or in any way possess within the corporate limits of the City of Boonville, Missouri:

(1)Any warm-blooded, carnivorous or omnivorous, wild or exotic animal (including but not limited to non-human primates, raccoons, skunks, foxes and wild and exotic cats; but excluding fowl, ferrets and small rodents of varieties used for laboratory purposes).(2)Any animal having poisonous bites and all constrictors.
(Ord. No. 4379, § 1, 7-20-15)

Sec. 4-50. - Animal habitats shall be clean; inspection authorized.

All structures, pens, coops or yards wherein animals or fowl are kept or permitted to be, shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times, devoid of all rodents and vermin, and free from offensive, disagreeable or noxious smell or odor to the injury, annoyance or inconvenience of any inhabitant of the neighborhood. The enclosed area of all such structures shall be constructed in such a way as to be dry at all times on the inside. The animal control officer may at any time inspect, or cause to be inspected, any structure or premises and issue any such order as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

There should be guidelines and rules to follow FOR keeping chickens, and if someone complains, then there should be appropriate actions taken. For example, a verbal warning, then a ticket, then removal IF necessary.

Chickens are not a vicious animal and have SO many benefits.

• Chickens eat bug and weeds
• Raising chickens in an urban space allows a perfect opportunity to educate your family and your neighbors about chickens, eggs, and agriculture.
• Less Waste
  If you eat, sometimes you will end up having leftover kitchen scraps. Instead of letting those scraps go to waste, you can feed them to your chickens. Because chickens are omnivores, they will eat just about anything, including meat.
• They make great pets, especially if you have kids. Chickens can make very social and even affectionate pets. Raising chickens also allows kids the opportunity to learn about responsibility as they help take care of the flock, gather eggs, make sure the birds are penned up at night, etc.
• They supply you with fresh, healthy eggs from well-cared-for animals.
• Provide excellent fertilizer for your garden.

If big cities like Columbia and Kansas City are chicken friendly, shouldn't a small rural town like Boonville be? I urge the city council to allow chickens within Boonville city limits.