Fowl Drama
Thanks to my MIL who spent some time researching instead of doing what WE did which was to believe someone from the city that they knew what they were talking about, the following was found yesterday:
6.08.010 Keeping prohibited—Exception.
It is unlawful for any person to keep or have under their care, custody or control, either as owner or otherwise, any chickens, ducks, geese, or poultry or fowl of any kind whatsoever, within the city, unless same are kept securely enclosed in a yard or pen at all times. (Prior code § 9.02.010)
We had two, tiny, bantam chickens. They were not capable of leaping the fences (which are over 6 feet tall) they were secure within our backyard and spent 80% of their time UNDER the butterfly bush. The following is the email I sent off last night to the gentleman who showed up and fed us a load of bullshit regarding our pets.
We researched the City Code here -
http://www.qualitycodepublishing.com/codes/bakersfield/6.08.010 Keeping prohibited—Exception.
It is unlawful for any person to keep or have under their care, custody or control, either as owner or otherwise, any chickens, ducks, geese, or poultry or fowl of any kind whatsoever, within the city, unless same are kept securely enclosed in a yard or pen at all times. (Prior code § 9.02.010)
——————-
Our bantam chickens were SECURE within our yard. You saw for yourself that they were kept securely within our yard. According to this code here - we were well within our rights and now we have had to deal with our 4 year old absolutely heartbroken at the loss of her beloved pets.
Can you please explain to us why you led us to believe that we were doing something that was against code? Is this a change in the code you were unaware of?
Mike and I would appreciate a response and explanation regarding this. Furthermore, I would be interested in knowing who made this complaint as it does appear to lack legitimacy in light of this code.
Thank you for your help in this matter,
Mike and Amy Doran
Maggie has been absolutely heartbroken over Chickie being gone. We had to deal with her SOBBING most of the day when they were taken away. The anger I am feeling right now is nearly quadrupled to what I felt on Monday.
I cannot begin to tell you how STUPID I feel. After all the years I have spent not taking anyone’s word for something, always researching it myself, I stupidly saw a badge and took the jerk’s word for it. You have no idea how ignorant I feel right now. Why I didn’t research this immediately before giving up Hank and Chickie, I just don’t know. I just couldn’t believe that someone who is supposed to enforce the municipal code either didn’t know it or lied his ass off.
Either way, this is my fault, ultimately, because I didn’t investigate my own rights. That will be the last time I EVER make a mistake like this, I can tell you that.
Either to avenge my daughter’s broken heart or the injury to my pride, I’m telling you, I want BLOOD now.
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June 19, 2008 @ 12:14 am
CALL the city and speak to a supervisor. If you are told you are not able to have chickens within the city limits, quote the code and ask if it has been revised. If the answer is NO, then go get your birds and bring them home! As a precautionary measure, provide a coup for them as well and cover your butt.
June 19, 2008 @ 4:51 am
I agree call write whatever you need to fix it. I’d write your mayor too. Heck I’d write the local paper too. Clearly someone needs to be reeducated on the laws he’s preaching!
June 19, 2008 @ 5:07 am
I’d stir up as much crap as you can on this. Call the city office and speak to the highest person you can (no, not that high…..) and call the newspaper too if the city doesn’t provide a suitable response!
Can you get the chickens back?
June 19, 2008 @ 5:10 am
Have you guys figured out who did it?
June 19, 2008 @ 5:50 am
I’d be passing out fucking flyers in the neighborhood too. Bastards.
June 19, 2008 @ 6:42 am
Yay for blood!
June 19, 2008 @ 7:56 am
Hey, first time here. I’m sorry your little girl is feeling the brunt of this. I hope you’ll be able to get your chickens back.
June 19, 2008 @ 8:52 am
Want a goat to add to the mix? I’d gladly send you one just to irritate the neighbors for a while. :-)
I hope you can get your chickens back and if you can’t, tell Maggs you’ll get her another chicken. At least one rooster, that will crow, and crow hopefully at midnight to the moon, near the neighbors fence. Loudly. :-)
June 19, 2008 @ 9:16 am
I hope you get your chickens back soon.
June 19, 2008 @ 9:20 am
Shoot tell Channel 29, 23 and 17 whats going on. One of them should respond especially if you show them how cute Maggie is.
I wouldn’t beat yourself up too bad. Just give your self a good spanking and a black eye. (That is probably sounding weird.)
Hope you can get the birds back. Definitely think about the Rooster.
Beamer
June 19, 2008 @ 10:00 am
Why is it that the people who work for the city are usually the last to know about their own codes? Seriously!
I’d say that, instead of calling, you take your ordinance down to city hall or wherever and demand proof that the law has been changed, because anybody can say “oh yeah, we changed it, it just hasn’t been published yet” over the phone.
June 19, 2008 @ 12:09 pm
Isn’t he coming back to confirm that you have complied with the order?? Ahh…come one now, you know you have conjured up a plan or two for his arrival. everyone here knows what you are capable of when you set your mind to it. :hide:
So GET HIM!! :peeved:
June 19, 2008 @ 12:22 pm
Go get ‘em Amy!
Can you get your chicks back?
June 19, 2008 @ 4:37 pm
UPDATE
Ok, so all of this (plus normal business stuff) has just made me too lazy to respond individually. I’m sorry!! And, believe me, I honestly appreciate all the input and support here - you guys are AWESOME!
Here is where it stands now - Mike has called the guy and left a voicemail OF COURSE, I can’t believe we’d expect him to answer his phone. There has been no response and no read receipt from my email.
We intend to purchase 3 bantam hens this week, I am going to print the ordinance out and keep it on my fridge and God help anybody who shows up at my door with any more “complaints” or bullshit “violations.”
We really can’t get Chickie or Hank back after we gave them away. I wouldn’t feel right about it and it would probably be too traumatic for them as well. But, like I said, we will replace them and life goes on.
I have a tough time making too big of a deal about all of this because it makes things tough at home when your husband is less than supportive in regards to standing up for your rights. He doesn’t realize that he married a woman who came with her own soapbox, I guess.
June 19, 2008 @ 4:48 pm
We need to make you a sign:
“Love me, love my soapbox!”
June 19, 2008 @ 5:43 pm
Crazy Lady - :heartbeat: :heartbeat: :thanks: