Although some Trail city councillors say they’re willing to allow backyard hens and bees, they’ve decided to do some more homework first.
Councillor Nick Cashol was prepared to introduce amendments to the city’s animal control bylaw this week, but councillor Thea Hanson suggested additional research.
“I would appreciate a staff report on hens and the best practices in municipalities that have had done a trial run and have or have not gone forward, just so that we can make a very thoughtful, inclusive decision,” Hanson said.
Hanson said one possibly little-known factor is that some property titles in Trail state they can’t have farm animals. “So I think we have to just look at the bigger, overarching [laws] that apply to title that I believe would supersede any bylaws,” she said.
Council agreed to seek more information, but staff said they probably won’t have time to report back on the matter before July.
Council recently heard from a couple of residents urging them to allow urban hens.
Changes to the city’s animal control bylaw are also expected to incorporate practices suggested by the BC SPCA, including requirements for basic standards of care, definitions and regulations for keeping aggressive and dangerous dogs, and expanded penalties.
