Sanctuary sounds alarm on Smiths Falls backyard hen pilot

New report reveals major gaps in public health, animal welfare and oversight

SUBMITTED

Secondhand Stories Chicken Sanctuary has released a detailed report urging Smiths Falls Town Council to reject the proposed Backyard Hen Pilot Program, citing serious concerns related to public health, animal welfare, and a complete lack of infrastructure to support the initiative.

“As a sanctuary that receives thousands of surrender requests — many from backyard chicken owners — we are on the frontlines of this issue,” said Liz Wheeler, co-founder of Secondhand Stories. “Staff, stakeholders, and experts have all recommended that the council reject the backyard hen proposal at this time, based on careful analysis. Failing to heed these warnings will create a public health and animal welfare crisis that the town is unprepared to manage.”

The 17-page report outlines critical gaps in the proposed bylaw, including:

• No plan for veterinary care or animal sheltering
• No mandatory licensing for new chicken owners
• No registration system to trace flocks during disease outbreaks
• No infrastructure to respond to abandoned or neglected birds

The sanctuary also calls attention to the heightened risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), with public health agencies, including Public Health Ontario, the CFIA, and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, all having raised red flags about the spread of disease through unregulated backyard flocks.

Despite requests to speak at the council meeting, the sanctuary was informed that there was no space on the agenda. With the council vote expected this evening, Tuesday, April 22, Secondhand Stories is calling for public attention and media scrutiny before the bylaw is passed without proper safeguards in place.

“If a dog or cat were kept under the same conditions as this bylaw allows for chickens, there would be outrage. We know chickens are sentient individuals capable of feeling joy, grief, and pain, so why do we accept so much less for them?” Wheeler adds.

SOURCE: Secondhand Stories Chicken Sanctuary.