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Mansfield council advances backyard-hens ordinance after hours of public comment
Summary
After more than an hour of public comment—dominated by residents, families and students urging approval—Mansfield City Council voted to waive further readings so the proposed backyard-hens ordinance (Bill 25-178) can be considered for final passage, while several members raised enforcement, renter/landlord and public-health concerns.
MANSFIELD, Ohio — Mansfield City Council advanced a proposed ordinance to allow backyard hens after an extended public-comment period in which scores of residents, including children and local realtors, urged passage.
Supporters said authorized backyard hens would improve food security, provide educational opportunities for children and strengthen neighborhood ties. “Please vote yes to backyard hens,” 8‑year‑old Serena Hughes told council during the public-comment period. Kelsey Canning, a local resident who presented research and a petition, said the ordinance includes biosecurity training and landlord sign-off to reduce risks.
The ordinance (Bill 25‑178) would permit a limited number of hens, require a…
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