I live in South Cumminsville. A few doors away from me are people who have about four chickens in their yard, squawking and pooping, etc. I’m sure this was legal in Cincinnati long ago, but is it still? All I ever hear about chickens is how filthy they are. Should I report these people? —CHICKEN HAWK-TUAH
DEAR TUAH:The Doctor has much to unpack here. Worrying about sanitation several hundred feet from your home borders on OCD; you may want to have that looked at. Should you wish to anonymously report your neighbor to the authorities—which makes you both a chicken and a rat—you will be disappointed. Hosting chickens in Cincinnati is completely legal, provided that the rules of Board of Health Ordinance #00053-11, “Fowl, animals and vermin,” are followed:
Minimum property sizes are specified for various populations of chickens, which allow only one rooster per 15 hens. (Dude!!!) Shelters must be 10 feet from all property lines and built to certain standards. Chicken poop must be collected at least once per day and placed in approved containers. Noises and foul odors (insert foul/fowl pun here) must not annoy neighbors…