Dear Editor:
I am writing regarding the changes to the bylaw allowing chickens being kept in residential areas.
The District of Summerland newsletter sent out to the taxpayers recently is now requesting our Chicken Feedback regarding the above issue.
I feel this is a backhanded way to deal with what I consider a serious issue for Summerland residents.
There is no mention of how chickens attract coyotes and other predators.
Furthermore the suggestion that people can only raise four chickens, no roosters, and build an appropriate coop for the chickens to be kept in is ludicrous.
People will do what they want despite the bylaw.
There is a certain percentage of the population who will not adhere to bylaws and this is evident with people who do not pick up their dog feces or horses feces in various walking areas in Summerland despite signs and poop bags provided.
If chickens are allowed to be raised in residential areas the bylaw will not be enforced as in my case.
It has been brought to my attention that there are many people in residential areas in Summerland as I write who are raising chickens.
Next will be ducks, rabbits, goats you name it because some people do not care about bylaws and because the enforcement is not there.
How does the present council plan to provide enforcement of such a ridiculous bylaw change?
I would like anyone interested in contacting me about starting a task force against the proposition at hand to allow chickens to be raised in residential areas.
Karen Matheson
Summerland