Residents in Des Moines, Iowa took to the streets with their chickens in an unusual protest against proposed restrictions on backyard poultry farming in the city. Ed and Mary Byrnes Fallon, who operate an urban farm, organized the parade from the Iowa Statehouse to City Hall after the city council introduced a proposal to limit the number of birds allowed in residential areas from 30 to 12 and also ban roosters.
The protesters, including several poultry enthusiasts holding chickens and one boy wearing a chicken hat, argued that backyard flocks play a vital role in providing food for families and educating people about where their food comes from. Mary Byrnes Fallon emphasized the importance of having chickens in communities for a positive experience and access to good quality food.
On the other hand, council member Linda Westergaard cited complaints from residents about noise, smell, and mess caused by backyard chickens as reasons for the proposed restrictions. However, Ed Fallon noted that the city had received only a few complaints about chickens over a four-year period.
The dispute highlights a disagreement between urban farmers and city officials over the benefits of backyard poultry farming and the concerns of some residents about potential disturbances. As the debate continues, supporters of backyard chicken coops remain determined to defend their right to raise chickens in the city.
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Photo credit www.weareiowa.com