Bastrop, Tx–A neighborhood along Farm Street between Texas 95 and Mina Elementary had its feathers ruffled when residents learned of a planned roundup of a flock of wild chickens in the area. Then they flew into action, getting the proposed April 29 raid canceled last week and winning a virtual promise from the city council April 28 to rewrite the Bastrop loose animal law to protect the birds which have ranged freely through the neighborhood for decades.
If the council follows through, the Farm Street fowls will be the second wild bird population to enjoy legal protection in the city. The current animal control ordinance already exempts a flock of ducks and geese which inhabit Fisherman’s Park from molestation by minions of the law.
Bastrop Police Chief David Board said the city’s animal control officer planned the chicken roundup after responding to a complaint about the uncontrolled wanderings of cocks and hens. But Board said he called off the operation once the sentiments of the neighbors became apparent.
City Manager Mike Talbot told the council Tuesday that city regulations forbid all domestic animals (except cats) from roaming at large in Bastrop. But the law is aimed at owners, and the Farm Street flock has no owner vulnerable to prosecution, he added. “They don’t have an owner,” he said.
Neighborhood residents were also eager to address the council Tuesday at City Hall. Amber Marsh said the chickens have been a familiar neighborhood feature since she arrived in 1976. “They’re an important part of the history of Farm Street,” she said. “Keep (the area) unique,” she urged the council.
Marsh also suggested that the flock be “pardoned” because they are “historical chickens.” She added that the flock is a familiar feature of the neighborhood ecosystem along with hawks, which sometimes prey on the chicks, and lizards which may become food for the chickens.
Council Member Willie DeLaRosa, a lifelong Bastrop resident, confirmed the presence of the flock “years and years ago,” perhaps as early as the 1960s.
“I enjoy the chickens,” said neighbor Amber Moore. “Leave them be.”
Council Member Dock Jackson suggested erecting “Chicken Crossing” signs along that stretch of Farm Street, a busy route between the highway and the nearby elementary school.
At the urging of Mayor Terry Orr, Talbot said he will bring possible changes to the animal control law for the council when it meets next in early May.
I laughed my sides in when I read this. We are in a recession people out of work loosing their homes and the council is spending time on chickens and crossing signs for chickens. We either have laws or not. so what is next? We do not have adequate fire protection in Bastrop yet we spend spend spend money and time silly stuff