An East Kent Councillor has heard the outcries, or "out-caws," about Chatham's crow problem, and wants to help.
Councillor Dave VanDamme wants staff to develop a crow control bylaw, to combat the nearly 20-million crows that roost in Chatham in the winter.
"Crows generally don't like to be out in the open at night. They can't see very well. So it gives them reason to come into the towns, they like the street lights," says VanDamme. "So they roost overnight, and in the morning you have all the droppings."
VanDamme says the move is partially about civic pride. He doesn't want public buildings and homes covered in the crow droppings.
Multiple attempts have been made to remove the crows. VanDamme cites efforts made in the late 2000s, but says efforts ceased in 2011. The municipality's also rolled out waste bins to accommodate their new garbage collection system. The bins were also meant to keep crows from picking through garbage.
"They certainly didn't hurt, it was a great proactive measure," adds VanDamme. "But just a sheer number of crows are coming into the city, basically because their eyesight isn't good. They like the warmth of the city, they like the lights in the city. It's a safehaven for them to hang out."
VanDamme wants the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs to have input on the bylaw.
He'll introduce the motion before Chatham-Kent Council on November 21.
