By Betsy Finklea
Mayor Todd Davis discussed chickens in city limits during his report at the Dillon City Council’s July meeting.
The city council passed an ordinance about animals in the city last month, and since then, Mayor Davis has received a number of calls about chickens and if that is what the city really wants to do. He said he talked to a couple of council members about it also. He asked, “who are we to say someone can’t have a few chickens in their yard?”
Davis said he thought one of the issues was roosters. He said he agreed. He wouldn’t want a rooster in his back yard crowing. Davis said a hen doesn’t need a rooster to lay eggs. He said he didn’t have a problem with someone having a certain number such as three, four, or five chickens penned up in their back yard for the eggs because people like fresh eggs. He didn’t know if council does. He wanted to bring it back up after giving it some thought.
Councilman John Braddy said most cities do allow a limited number of chickens. He said Sumter allows chickens in the city limits. He said he didn’t have an opinion one way or the other.
Davis said they could leave it the way it is if they want, but there are a few people who would like to have chickens.
Councilman Phil Wallace asked who brought the issue up. Davis said he thought it was about other types of animals and chickens got thrown in.
City Manager Glen Wagner said they would have to amend or modify the ordinance and have two readings to allow chickens.