I received a letter yesterday from my local council saying that I have to get rid of my 5 little chickens. I have had them for 3 months now and they have not been a problem at all. I keep them clean and well fed and watered, I even talk to them like they are my babies. My neighbours dog got in and killed 1 of them about 2 weeks ago and she reported the incident herself to the council and stated that they are not a nuisance she was just concerned about her dogs killing anymore, that problem has been rectified now and we have all security measures sorted. what can I do to keep my girls as they are family pets they are rescued ex- battery and do not lay eggs, my children and nephews love feeding and playing with them as they are very tame now. Please help xxxxx
If you could post the text of the letter, that would be helpful.
There are environmental health reasons why you cant keep chickens, but that has to be proven on a case by case basis.
Many councils believe their tenancy agreements can prevent you keeping chickens, they cant, as has been explained, they can no more prevent you keeping chickens than take your first born as slave. Statute Law takes precedence, and statue law says you can keep chickens on any land you own or rent.
Most likely, you just need to reply saying something like, "I believe have a statuatory right under the Allotment act to keep chickens, if I am mistaken, could you please inform me as to what act of parliament has revoked that right."
CC the Borough Solicitor, they wont have a clue what the law is, but any mention of real law will no doubt scare them into silence and leaving you alone.