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Waukegan committee debates allowing hens in backyards; no ordinance introduced
Summary
The Waukegan Judiciary Committee discussed a possible ordinance to allow hens in city backyards at its Aug. 18 meeting, raising enforcement and public-health concerns. Aldermen asked staff to gather other cities' rules but made no motion to change local law.
The Waukegan Judiciary Committee opened a discussion on Aug. 18 about a potential ordinance to allow residents to keep hens in their backyards but did not vote on or introduce any ordinance.
The committee meeting, called to order at approximately 6:31 p.m., centered on questions of enforcement, disease risk and practical limits on animals kept at residential properties. Alderman Guzman said he was “split on this,” citing emails and videos showing escaped birds and asking, “what happens when these things get loose?” and whether birds could spread avian influenza to people or other animals.
Alderman Felix questioned whether residents keeping hens for eggs would need roosters, asking, “Is this to have them as pets or to do…
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