Backyard chickens are causing a flap once more at Hamilton city council.

Feathers flew last term during an occasionally heated debate over whether to allow hens in urban backyards, with council ultimately voting the idea down in 2012.

But urban chicken fan Christina Sousa told members of the planning committee Tuesday many of their original arguments against backyard hens no longer fly.

"Many of your neighbours now allow for backyard hens," she pointed out, listing Toronto, Guelph, Niagara Falls, Caledon and Newmarket as recent converts.

If those communities can make it work, so can Hamilton, Sousa argued. She suggested allowing a maximum of four hens per backyard, provided it meets minimum size requirements.

Coun. Jason Farr tried to convince fellow councillors to vote in favour of an updated staff report on the idea — and when that failed, pitched a Ward 1 through 3 pilot project.

He acknowledged concerns about nuisance and noise potential, but argued dogs and other pets also spur bylaw complaints. "We don't ban them," he said.

A narrow majority of committee members remained skeptical, however.

Flamborough Coun. Rob Pasuta, who is also a farmer, said a property with chickens — and related waste — can attract vermin an urban homeowner may be ill-equipped to deal with. "You do get mice, you do get rats. Skunks will show up," he said.

Stoney Creek Coun. Doug Conley, who served on a pre-amalgamation council in that former municipality, said he opposed backyard chickens then and continues to do so today. He predicted constant complaints. "Chickens are chickens," he said.

The committee voted 5-4 against a study of an urban chicken pilot — but Farr said he would ask council next week to consider reversingthe committee decision.

Voting in favour of an urban chicken pilot study were: Farr, Matthew Green, Aidan Johnson and Donna Skelly

Against: Chad Collins, Rob Pasuta, Judi Partridge, Maria Pearson and Doug Conley

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