MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The Martinsburg City Council voted to not go forward with a citizen’s request to draft an ordinance which would have allowed backyard chickens within city limits.
Clinton Naugle previously submitted an ordinance that would have allowed roosters and hens in the city with limits set based upon the size of a property.
During the public comment session of the city council meeting, two residents spoke out against the proposal citing sanitation issues. One person said she wouldn’t mind the chickens as long as they were “well kept”.
Barbara Bratina, a resident who spoke out against the ordinance, said the animals could attract predators and she was concerned about the effects of the chickens being kept in an enclosed space.
“They’re difficulties when they are kept in pen in small spaces,” said Bratina. “That could lead to picking, and pecking at each other and even cannibalism.”
Areas in the Panhandle that do allow backyard chickens include Ranson and Shepherdstown.