Residents clash over proposed rooster ban; council moves ordinance forward after debate

The council heard extended public comment and council debate on Ordinance 3-21, a proposed update to animal rules that would restrict roosters within the city limits. Speakers offered opposing views on whether existing noise code sections (cited in the meeting as 93.03 and 93.04) already address crowing and whether a new ban is necessary.

A resident who described sustained crowing from multiple birds next door urged the council to add roosters to the list of animals banned in the city: "It's just, if it doesn't get passed, next people will be fighting 20 roosters," the complainant said, describing noise at 70 decibels in her yard. Defending roosters, Shane Gaskin said such birds are important to his hens and to rural life, adding that rising egg prices make roosters more valuable to some households.

Council members questioned how enforcement would work if the ordinance passed, noting the sheriff's department historically has not handled routine animal complaints and that code-enforcement or a new contract might be required. One council member asked whether neighbors could petition for exceptions; the mayor and staff said the ordinance, as written, would not include a neighbor-petition exception without another public hearing to change the code.

After discussion of enforcement mechanics, community norms and the balance of residents’ rights, the council voted by voice to advance the ordinance motion; the transcript records the motion as passing. Council members emphasized that adoption is only the first step and that enforcement depends on available staff or law-enforcement contracts.