A recent development has arisen in San Juan Bautista’s Great
Poultry Debate, which has been raging for at least three years: The
city is attempting to introduce an ordinance that would make it
illegal to feed roaming chickens, who many believe have become
something of a San Juan institution.
A recent development has arisen in San Juan Bautista’s Great Poultry Debate, which has been raging for at least three years: The city is attempting to introduce an ordinance that would make it illegal to feed roaming chickens, who many believe have become something of a San Juan institution.
“I know the chickens are kind of charming, and I know the tourists like it,” said SJB resident Jim Pereyra. “But they don’t have to live with the crap.”
Feral chickens have roamed the streets of San Juan for as long as anybody can remember, but in recent years many residents say the bird population has gotten out of control.
A public meeting was held on Feb. 13 devoted to the subject of “Feral Chicken Population Control,” where it was determined that cute as the chicks may be, they defecate on and damage private property to the extent that it’s reasonable for citizens disturbed by the birds to expect the city to intercede. In addition, the roosters have begun crowing at all hours of the night, and many residents complain of difficulty sleeping as a result.
“We have a couple of really strong roosters running around here, I suppose,” said resident Rebecca McGovern. “Because there are just too many of them around.”
In the past, the city has attempted to relocate some of the animals to farms and ranches where they’re wanted, and most chicken eggs are destroyed on sight. However, the population has managed to flourish in spite of these efforts in large part, the city believes, because of well-meaning fowl aficionados who feed them.
“They’re multiplying faster because people won’t stop feeding them,” said City Councilman Chuck Geiger. “There’s enough food around to support a reasonable population.”
The new ordinance, which would render it unlawful to feed a wild chicken within the limits of San Juan, was supposed to have been voted on at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, but was misplaced on the agenda and had to be postponed until the next meeting in March.
The ordinance does not specify a fine, but the San Juan municipal code mandates that the first infraction would constitute a fine of $50, and a second within twelve months would cost $100, with an additional fine of $500 for every infraction thereafter. Feeding the birds in the park, then, could become an expensive hobby for many.
Many of the staunchest anti-rooster advocates in the city, however, see the ordinance as unnecessary and moreover futile.
“It’s an ordinance like any other in the city,” Pereyra said. “Unenforceable, ludicrous and a waste of time… the only way to get the population down is to hire a professional to come in and handle it.”
“It does seem like a silly ordinance, doesn’t it?” McGovern said. “I don’t see why they couldn’t have just sent everyone a letter telling them why they shouldn’t feed the chickens.”
According to the municipal code, both the city’s code enforcement officer and the San Benito County Sheriff’s Department are in charge of the enforcing the ordinance, should it pass. But Sheriff Curtis Hill said he made it clear to the Mission City long ago that his department would have no part in their fowl affairs.
“We are just not going to get involved, it’s not my concern,” Hill said. “The San Benito County Sheriff’s Department has better things to do. Period.”
Currently, an ordinance already exists prohibiting roosters within 50 feet of any residence, but that only applies to domesticated animals that someone is claiming ownership of. Should a resident deny ownership of the chickens, the city’s hands are tied. But if they attempt to prevent the city from taking the birds away, they could conceivably be fined for letting the birds run free.
“The whole chicken problem really is an interesting dilemma,” Geiger said. No other city council members could be reached for comment.
Should the ordinance pass at the next city council meeting, it will take effect 30 days after.
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or [email protected]
