(Batesville, IN) – Batesville City Council on Monday night directed City Attorney Blaine Timonera to draft a clarifying amendment to the current ordinance restricting farm animals from being kept at residences within the city limits.
The ordinance as it’s currently written does not specifically name poultry animals such as chickens and ducks as being in violation.
Domestic animals, as in dogs and cats, are not restricted.
This comes two months after Lloyd and Lakee Miner initially came before council, saying they keep two chickens and two ducks at their home in the city limits as emotional support animals for their daughter.
After speaking with constituents over the past couple of months, councilmembers say they have heard opinions overwhelmingly against allowing farm animals to be kept in the city, particularly in residents’ respective neighborhoods.
The Miners said they have a petition with more than 40 signatures from Batesville residents in support of their efforts.
Timonera says there will be a buffer between approval of the ordinance and when enforcement kicks in.
“Anytime an ordinance is adopted where there’s a citation or penalty that could be enforced, there a 30-day latency period from the date that the ordinance is adopted by city council before any enforcement would be proper,” Timonera said.
Council is expected to consider an amended ordinance next month.
