By now, you've probably seen one news report or another highlighting the plight of Halifax resident Lousie Hanavan, an urban farmer who kept three chickens in her backyard. She raised the chickens for their eggs - a healthy and local alternative to mass-produced chicken factory ovals.
"If we're talking about reducing carbon emissions, then producing our own food in a way that is unobtrusive to our neighbours is not a bad idea," she told reporters last week.
According to the sources, she made sure her neighbours would be okay with her backyard coop, and she’s very careful about controlling the food supply laid down in the yard. But last week, one of her neighbours called the bylaw enforcement officers in on her, claiming the chickens and their feed are bringing rats into the neighbourhood.
"I've got nothing against the chickens at all, but I got lots against the rats," said Reg Harper. "You have to put feed out, so you're going to have rats."
Supporters of Hanavan say, yes, the rats are a problem - but that they have always been a problem in Halifax. Hanavan is hoping the municipality will review the issue. Once again, the powers that be talk about reducing eco-harm, then turn around and block individuals' efforts to do so.
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