The Enid, Oklahoma city commissioner meeting got interesting last night when issues turned to a discussion of a controversial livestock ordinance. As Robert Barron reports for OkNews online, the city commission amended the existing livestock ordinance to establish conditions for keeping animals within the city limits as well as implementing a permit requirement for those who keep animals in the city. Those who live in areas zoned for agriculture, or those who have three or more acres, are exempt from the ordinance.The ordinance also removed the grandfather clause, “which means livestock in areas that do not meet the new requirements must be removed. People who do choose to keep livestock on their property must have at least one acre of land and must get a permit. Failure to obtain a permit could result in a $500 fine.
During the discussion City Attorney Adrea Chism showed slides of violations, including one that showed a group of chickens running in the streets of a neighborhood. Former City Attorney Carl Lahman, who was fired by the Enid City Commission at the beginning of the year, raised concerns that the commission’s proposal was in violation of state law.
Urban livestock seems to overtaking the country as more people are practicing urban agriculture by growing vegetable gardens and perhaps raising a few chickens as a source for eggs. But if you want to keep animals in Enid, you better get a permit.
To read Barron’s report click here.
Posted: 11/12/09
