Melissa Hensler can no longer have a pet rooster, even though Melissa received the "Most Unusual Pet" prize from her home town two years ago. Now the same town says the bird belongs in a farm, not a residential area.
Melissa's parents may file a lawsuit against the zoning decision made by North Huntingdon Township officials. Melissa has raised the rooster, named Sundae, and eight other chickens for six years.
In July, parents Barb and Don Hensler, said a neighbor complained that they were raising chickens, and the township's attitude changed. The prize that Sundae won two years ago "is no substitute for township law," code enforcement officer David Stitt said."Chickens are farm animals. You can call them pets if you like, but they are still fowl," Stitt said.
A township board rejected the Henslers' request for a zoning exception, leading to their consideration of court action."I've already spent $250 for the first appeal. These chickens are not worth that much — maybe $1.75 or $2 — if you sold them," Don Hensler said. "We were just asking the township to allow us to keep our pets until they pass on."Hensler said chickens typically live eight to 10 years."If I had to get rid of them, it would be like losing part of me," Melissa said. "I would be losing my children."
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
