KAPLAN — The City of Kaplan will consider an ordinance to ban farm animals in city limits.
Some animal owners aren't happy with what's being proposed.
Irvin Cates lives within city limits and has owned his chickens for about eight years.
"I wanted to have something to enjoy with my son," explained Cates. "We come out here and we play with them, talk with them."
The city council says they've received complaints about some animals in the city that are causing a mess and even reports of fighting roosters.
However, Cates says there are already rules in place.
"There's city ordinances already on the books about you can't have foul at large, which means they have to be kept on the property, pinned up in a way that they're not just roaming," said Cates. "We also have an ordinance for the excessive noise of rooster crowing."
Cates admits his chickens are like family, but for some, it's a way of life.
"A lot more people in this area are using them to eat and support their families through the eggs and everything," explained Cates. "We've even had the local high school, at one point in time, use them for education."
Although the council could consider some exceptions, Cates is still hesitant. He doesn't want to see his chickens leave the coop.
"It would be more of me having to explain to my son: 'Hey, look, we had to get rid of your chickens.'"
The ordinance was introduced during Tuesday night's meeting and will be up for discussion at next month's meeting on October 15.
