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Bossier City council rejects ordinance to allow backyard chickens after heated public comment
Summary
After extended public comment and council debate, an ordinance to amend the city code to permit raising poultry in city limits failed on a 5–2 vote. Supporters argued for homeowner choice; opponents raised concerns about odor, pests and neighborhood impacts.
Bossier City Council declined to amend its code on backyard poultry at its Nov. 4 meeting after an extended public comment period and council debate.
The ordinance, offered for final reading, would have modified section 114-33 of the Bossier City Code to permit residents to raise poultry under specified conditions. Councilman Hammonds said he brought the measure because residents asked for relief, and that many neighborhood issues occur at commute times. "This is the whole reason for bringing this — because the citizens have come to us," he said.
Several residents came to the podium with competing views. Linda Clements, a retired teacher from Evangeline Circle, described animal behavior and neighborhood impacts: "Their droppings are very acidic and will eat right through the clear coat on your car... they attract rodents, raccoons, all kinds of varmints" and said chickens belong in rural areas, not the city. David Crockett of Dumaine Drive urged the council not to impose a $100 permit fee and argued for homeowners' choice: "Backyard hens deserve the same fair and balanced approach that you have for other things... This is time to let the people have a little bit of a choice." Brenda Davis, who had earlier raised the issue with council members, said coops can contain birds and that enforcement should rely on complaints: "If they're not contained, then you can do something about it."
Council members split along lines of constituent feedback and personal view. Several members said neighborhood complaints and concerns about sanitation and health weighed against changing the ordinance; others emphasized responding to constituent requests. The clerk reported the ordinance "failed on a vote of 5 to 2." The council then moved on to other business.
The council did not adopt an alternative fee or pilot program at the meeting; members who supported the ordinance signaled willingness to revisit the issue with amendments if needed.
What’s next: With the ordinance defeated, the city’s current prohibition on poultry inside the Bossier City limits remains in place. Further proposals would require reintroduction and another reading before the council.
