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Committee passes amended bill classifying feral chickens as controllable pest, adds rescues/research exemptions
Summary
Lawmakers voted to pass HB2561 with amendments that add research and rescue exemptions and a county collection program; public testimony was sharply divided between residents seeking relief from noise and health impacts and animal‑welfare groups urging humane, partnered solutions.
The committee voted to advance HB2561 after an extended public comment period that featured sharply divided views on whether feral chickens should be designated a controllable pest and subject to enforcement and fines.
Chair explained amendments that will exempt approved research and rescue activities from the bill’s feeding prohibition, delete the most contested section, and add a county collection program modeled on language taken from a companion measure. "Instead of allowing people to take care of chickens on their own property... we're gonna leave it to the professionals and give them a chance or a…
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