GUELPH/ERAMOSA – At a meeting this week, Guelph-Eramosa Township staff will further discuss the keeping of backyard hens.
Per the agenda package, council has requested staff to prepare an information report discussing existing regulations and current practices amongst local municipalities.
Centre Wellington’s Animal Control By-law permits the keeping of up to 10 hens per residential lot.
The report states several advantages and some challenges, the pros being locally sourced farm-to-table food for local families and better tasting, organic foods.
The drawbacks mentioned were odour and biosecurity issues.
Pigeons will also be a topic of discussion, as both hens and pigeons are currently considered livestock, and are only permitted on two-plus acre agricultural properties in the township.
The meeting goes at 1 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.
