Rock Springs council narrowly approves ordinance allowing backyard chickens

The Rock Springs City Council voted 5-4 Tuesday to amend the city's animal-control ordinance to permit backyard chickens in residential areas, adding a requirement that birds be kept in a covered enclosure.

The change amends Article 3-5 of the City of Rock Springs code, titled "Humane Control and Regulation of Animals." Councilor Bingham introduced an amendment requiring that "Chicken shall be provided with a covered enclosure and must be kept in the" designated structure; Councilor Hickerson seconded the amendment, which passed unanimously before the final ordinance vote.

The ordinance itself was moved for approval by Councilor Eggerson and seconded by Councilor Dimas. The final roll call produced five affirmative votes (Councilors Malonis, Bingham, Zoddy, Hickerson and Mayor Max Mickelson) and four negative votes (Councilors Thompson, Pedri, Demas and Hansen), producing the 5-4 margin that approved the ordinance.

Supporters at the meeting argued the animals can provide food and be kept responsibly. Opponents raised concerns about nuisance complaints and the capacity of animal-control services. Councilor Malonis said nearly every Wyoming city allows backyard chickens and urged the council to give the change a try; he joked about the quality of the eggs while making his point.

Mayor Max Mickelson and other council members made clear the allowance comes with conditions and a promise of swift action if problems emerge. "If chickens become something that's permitted in the city and animal control is getting as much as 1 call a month, an ordinance to change it back saying that they're not permitted will be up on the agenda right away," the mayor told the meeting, adding that the city would enforce the rules if the change proved problematic.

Councilors also noted operational limits in animal-control staffing and facilities; Councilor Thompson said the animal-control facility is "overflowing" and that staffing is short. Several council members said other cities' experience showed limited enforcement problems, and that the council could reverse the decision if necessary.

The ordinance passed on first reading Tuesday with the councilers' votes recorded; the council will follow enforcement data and complaints to determine whether further action is necessary.

The vote followed an extended public and council discussion and a formal amendment requiring covered enclosures for any permitted chickens.

Ending: The council's action makes backyard chickens legal under the amended Article 3-5, subject to the enclosure standard and existing nuisance provisions. Council members who supported the change said they expect responsible owners to comply; those opposed said they will watch for enforcement and public-safety implications and may move to repeal or tighten rules if problems develop.