Council gave third reading to an amendment to the animal control bylaw. The bylaw regulates backyard chickens in Summerland.
The bylaw has received 68 responses from the public. Most of the responses have been about noise, unsightliness, vermin and pests resulting from backyard chickens.
Speaking to the bylaw at the public comment earlier in the evening, Christopher Boisvert-Gilman said a non-protein bedding, such as straw instead of hay and wood chips, would not attract vermin. He added that he would like to see the maximum number of chickens allowed under the bylaw increased to six from five.
Linda Tynan, chief administrative officer for the municipality, said the bylaw could be tweaked and adjusted if necessary.
Coun. Janet Peake suggested chickens should be allowed on larger properties rather than residential areas.
Coun. Doug Holmes said backyard chickens are already allowed in urban centres in other parts of Canada and the United States.
The bylaw requires a final reading before it is adopted.