The City of Sarnia is seeking input as it looks to review the animal control bylaw and the rules surrounding the keeping of hens in non-agricultural areas.
Staff are looking at the size of what hens would be permitted and the amount of hens that would be allowed.
Residents are being asked their opinion about the idea of allowing larger sized hens in non-agricultural areas.
Communications Manager Steve Henschel explained what the current bylaw is.
"Traditionally we've allowed up to 12 backyard chickens but they have to be bantam or miniature chickens, which are obviously smaller," he said.
In March, a request was brought to city council by Laurie and Dean Frayne following a complaint about their backyard chickens.
"(Staff) reported back to council and suggested we could allow maybe up to four to kind of offset the larger chickens, have more noise, have more smell," Henschel said. "We're actually asking people for their opinion on possibly how many standardized hens if this moves forward."
The survey closes on August 16 at 4 p.m.
Henschel said after the survey closes staff will then look at the results.
"(Staff) will ultimately look to council for direction on how they want to proceed with a possible amendment to the animal control bylaw," he said.
City staff are hoping to have a report back to Council in September.
