Residents press council on animal ordinance; final reading tabled

Andrew Blakley and other residents used public comment at the Oct. 20 Hicksville council meeting to urge council members to delay or amend proposed changes to the village’s animal-keeping rules. Blakley said the ordinance has been on the books since 1982 and asked why the change is being considered now; he also asked whether existing flocks would be grandfathered.

Blakley described his personal flock (ducks, chickens, a rooster and two geese), said birds bond to caretakers, and warned that forced moving or rehoming—especially in winter—could be deadly for the animals. He said his wife circulated a petition that had 72 signatures and presented several letters from concerned citizens, reading two aloud to council.

Other audience members spoke without coming to the podium. One mother said caring for rabbits teaches her children responsibility. Another resident asked about liability if a loose chicken is killed by a dog on the road; council advised that liability and enforcement questions be referred to the police department. After hearing public comments and the captioned reading, the council tabled the final reading of Ordinance 2025-10; the minutes do not record a mover or second for the tabling action.