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Council hears evidence of illegal cockfighting; administration proposes "Good Neighbor" containment rules for backyard animals
Summary
Planning staff and the county executive described a discovery of a large illegal cockfighting operation in a residential neighborhood; the council opened a discussion about strengthening county rules for containment, roosters, and nuisance enforcement in residential districts.
Wicomico County planning and enforcement staff told the council on Sept. 16 that a nuisance complaint led investigators to a backyard operation in a suburban neighborhood where officers found more than 60 roosters, multiple converted barrel cages and paraphernalia consistent with illegal cockfighting.
Tracy Taylor, director of Planning, Zoning and Community Development, said the site — on or near West Morris/Leonard Road off Parker Road — involved birds and equipment normally associated with organized fighting. Animal-control and the sheriff’s office responded; the county later transferred birds to the humane society, and officials said many birds had disease and were euthanized.
Taylor and County Executive Julie Geradineau (as introduced at the meeting) said the episode highlighted gaps in county code: nuisance and zoning provisions can be difficult to enforce when animals are kept behind locked fences, and existing zoning language does not include clear numeric limits on backyard poultry in denser residential zones.
The executive presented a one-page draft summary of a proposed “Good Neighbor Animal Containment Act,” suggesting options including: numeric limits on backyard poultry in specified residential zoning districts; a prohibition on roosters in residential areas; basic enclosure and sanitation standards; and an enforcement path that would prioritize containment and remediation before punitive action. Staff also proposed working with Maryland Department of Agriculture and the humane society for inspections and for public education.
Council members asked multiple operational questions: whether the county should require registration or licensing, how to distinguish bona fide farms (exempt under state law) from backyard flocks, and how to avoid placing an enforcement burden on neighbors. Several council members said they did not want to ban backyard chickens outright but wanted rules to ensure animals do not roam onto neighboring properties, damage landscaping, or create excessive noise.
Council members and staff discussed practical next steps: staff will consult animal-control, the animal-appeals board and the Department of Agriculture, draft options for text amendments limited to higher-density residential districts (R-8, R-15 and similar), and return with language for the council to consider. Several members asked the administration to prioritize provisions that establish containment (fencing/enclosures) and reasonable numeric limits rather than broad new subsidies or programs.
Ending: No ordinance was introduced at the Sept. 16 session; staff were directed to continue stakeholder outreach and return with draft ordinance language for council consideration.
