‼️Ongoing Chicken Abuse in Key West —We Need Your Voice📢
Hi everyone ❤️🩹,
I’m reaching out with an important update regarding the protection of Key West’s free-roaming chickens.
Unfortunately, the abuse has not stopped.
There have been multiple recent incidents reported by residents—many with photo and video evidence—showing chickens being chased, harmed, and killed in Bahama Village by both adults and children. Some reports even suggest organized cruelty.
This is not only disturbing, it directly violates the 2004 Key West ordinance that protects these animals.
I recently contacted city leadership about this issue. While there has been acknowledgment, there has not yet been clear follow-through or visible action.
At this point, community voices matter.
If you’re willing, here are a few simple ways you can help push for real accountability:
1. Call or email city officials
Ask for:
Enforcement of the existing chicken protection ordinance
A clear, anonymous way to report abuse
Visible deterrents (like signage in high-incident areas such as Bahama Village)
You can contact and say:
Script: “Hi, I’m a (Key West resident and/or concerned citizen) calling about repeated chicken abuse in Bahama Village. This is an ongoing issue with documented incidents. I’m asking for enforcement of the ordinance, a reporting system, and visible deterrents like signage. What is being done right now?”
The Mayor’s office 305-809-3840
Code Enforcement 3058093740
City Commissioners 3058093844
City Hall 305-809-3700
Police (non-emergency) 305-809-1000
Sam Kaufman (who has been engaged on this issue) 305-304-5848
2. Keep documenting
If you witness anything, safely document and report it. Community documentation is already helping establish a pattern.
3. Stay engaged
The more consistent the pressure, the harder this is to ignore.
This is about more than chickens—it’s about what we allow in our community, and whether existing protections actually mean something.
Thank you to everyone who has continued to care, speak up, and take action.
—Isabella