Township Addresses Cock Crisis: Pullets Protected

Submitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger

Things must be awfully slow around the “Bored” Room of Hopewell Township (NJ) governing committee.  An ordinance to limit chicken mating has caused quite a bit of clucking among the locals. Now the legislation has finally become law after three hours of emotional debate by the Town Committee.  Twelve fearless citizens approached the rostrum and spoke both for and against the legislation. The law, as passed, would limit rooster contact with hens to just 10 days a year and would require them to prove they’re disease-free.  A definite turn-off in the fowl world we live in.

“You could kill off your entire flock by introducing a sick bird,” cooed Committeewoman Vanessa Sandom who sponsored the ordinance. Mating isn’t the only feature of this landmark legislation that was three years in the offing. The problem of cock crowing is not overlooked. Up to six hens are allowed on half-acre lots in chicken country but no roosters need apply. Too noisy say the town fathers — and mothers. Subdued cocks are allowed on the premises for “fertilization” purposes, but any rooster caught crowing for “prolonged periods of time” is subject to a two-year mating ban. Talk about cruel and unusual punishment.

Source: NJ.com

~Dutifully Submitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger