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Residents pressure commissioners over proposed animal-ordinance changes; officials say they will seek public input
Summary
A large turnout of residents urged the Newton County Commission not to restrict backyard chickens and roosters as part of a review of the unified development ordinance; commissioners said the advisory committee proposals are under review and emphasized they are not removing farm animals but want public input for ordinance updates.
A broad cross-section of Newton County residents packed the June 2 meeting to oppose proposed limits on backyard chickens and roosters that surfaced during a review of the county’s unified development ordinance (UDO). Commissioners repeatedly told speakers they are reviewing existing livestock and poultry ordinances and are not proposing immediate removal of animals from residents’ properties.
Residents presented petitions and testimony. Carly Alexander (speaker 20) said the petition gathered 562 signatures in less than a week and urged the board not to “let chickens be the hill that you die on.” “I want my 4‑year‑old to be able to grow up and see his pet rooster,” she said. Multiple speakers described backyard agriculture as part of local self-sufficiency, citing higher grocery costs and pandemic-era supply disruptions.
Several commissioners sought to calm the debate and invited public participation in the ordinance-review process. The vice chair (speaker 1) told the room: “Nobody’s trying to take anything away from anyone,” and encouraged residents to engage with advisory committees and the public-review schedule. Commissioner Edwards (speaker 2) noted existing livestock ordinances and said the board is reviewing them rather than rushing to ban animals.
Speakers also linked the chicken discussion to broader growth and development concerns, including data-center siting, taxes and transparency. Rainn Boyd (speaker 25), who runs a nonprofit focused on food deserts and gardens, urged commissioners not to erode land-stewardship rights: “Please hear us when we say … we are located where we’re located,” he said.
Commissioners closed the evening asking residents to participate in the UDO review process; specific ordinance language, thresholds and next public meetings remain to be scheduled for public review and comment.
Provenance: public comment and commissioner discussion on chickens began with open comment at SEG 1404 and continued through commissioner remarks at SEG 2484.
