Lynn may rethink farm animal ban

LYNN – City officials are discussing whether to amend an ordinance that would ban residents from possessing fowl, horses, pigs and other farm animals on their property.At a recent Ordinance Committee meeting, City Councilors considered the rising cost of food and the validity of raising animals for nourishment, but weren’t completely sold on the idea because of the health risks associated with keeping barnyard animals.Ward 6 Councilor Peter Capano said while he has a lot of respect for those who want to harvest their own food, he grappled with it happening in an urban environment.”My father came from another country and he had hens and chickens, but I can’t support someone having them in the city,” he said. “Maybe it’s just me, but in a city, there are so many health problems already that I wouldn’t want to open up another door for a big influx of chickens and hens.”Atlantic Street resident Ryan Ahern, who had his five chickens seized by the city in June, said he just wanted to create a healthier lifestyle for his family and didn’t think he was creating a potential health hazard.The city scrapped the $1,000 fine issued to Ahern after he cleaned up a questionable vegetable garden and relinquished his animals to the city.”People think animals are dirty, gross and make noise, but the idea is to make things greener and for safety and sustainability,” Ahern said. “It’s really a positive and healthy move in the right direction.”City Councilor at Large Dan Cahill said if hens and chickens are considered a no-no, the council could consider allowing a resident to have one pig instead – for a pet.”We’ll have to sit down with the health department to see if people can keep one pig, rabbit, ferret or something for a pet and not breed it,” he said. “And if you already have a rabbit, you could keep the rabbit and just pay an annual fee to house them.”Ward 1 City Councilor Wayne Lozzi said certain stipulations would have to be included in the amendment for setbacks and housing the animal in the proper procedure.”There are certain wards that wouldn’t be appropriate for these animals like Wards 3, 4, 6 and 7 that are densely populated,” he said. “But Ward 1 is slightly more agricultural. I could see a conflict with this, but it would be best to not flat out prohibit the animals.”Concerns were raised after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned officials to be on the lookout for certain animals and to not issue permits to people housing them in tight quarters.The topic will be further discussed in August.