EDITOR:

I have been following your reporting on the proposed zoning amendment that would allow citizens of Escanaba — any resident — to keep chickens and ducks within the city limits.

I believe you did a pretty good job of trying to present both sides of any kind of controversy that may be viewed.

However, there was one thing that was not brought up by anyone. That is, the type of vermin this kind of “farming” would attract to local neighborhoods. Some of these vermin are in fact on the dangerous side, especially for small children. Further, how would you control this type of situation? I am speaking of mice, rats, skunks weasels, fox, snakes, aggressive cats of all kinds, coyotes, raccoons and other birds of prey…..owls hawks, seagulls, etc. Dogs have also been known to break in and attack chickens.

Now, not only say all this from experience for having lived on a farm for over 42 years and owning chickens, but I have seen many of these critters in the city limits of Escanaba. There are weasels at the airport, there are coyotes that have been seen along the shore on Lake Shore Drive. We all know that there are plenty of skunks, and a few snakes around as well. As for mice and rats, ya they’re here also.

People who do not have chickens are then at the mercy of those who do. If you have small children, perhaps a sandbox in the backyard or swing set, and the little ones play there. Just think what may have run through there, is watching, dug a hole somewhere to lay their eggs, etc. There is a reason 99% of farm animals are on farms. Heavily populated areas are for people and their safety. Animals spread diseases, bite, go anywhere there is a food source of any kind. A lot of diseases are airborne. Who can control that?

People, think this through and use common sense. Besides, the proper watering and feeding of a few chickens is a very expensive endeavor for what you get out of it. You have winter, vet bills, at lease four daily excursions to the coop. I say all this in defense of the poor chicken who really is at mercy of all that are around it. Please be reasonable and seriously put some reality thought into the 6/7 chickens you want.

Gen Doyle

Escanaba