Last summer, on a particularly warm evening, I went into my garden to relax and enjoy the fresh air. Instead, I was greeted by the loud cry of a chicken. We had an uninvited guest in our vegetable garden. Unfortunately, such chicken invasions are common in many areas of Stockton, California. Across the United States, municipalities large and small are considering whether or not they should adopt residential livestock ordinances, particularly as they relate to poultry. Considering that they are often a public nuisance and pose a health risk, local authorities should consider restricting private ownership of chickens in densely populated urban areas. While there are many reasons why someone might want to raise their own chickens, not everyone in their neighborhood does. can support the idea. Chickens frequently make noises that may disturb people with sensitive hearing. Additionally, careless practices can lead to odor problems. This is especially concerning for people in areas with warmer climates, like the Central Valley, where temperatures often reach more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. Ordinances are already in effect in most cities for dogs and other pets. Whether they require owners to obtain a license or serve to limit the general level of noise in an area, these laws are generally in place to protect both animals and the humans who live among them. It seems fair that if chickens are considered acceptable pets in an area, current laws should be changed to include them or similar new protections should be put in place. Recent concerns over the risks of bird flu and other exotic diseases have prompted some local poultry breeders to adopt strict biosecurity protocols in order to keep their birds safe. ...... middle of paper ...... 2009 .4. Hawkins, Sharon. Private conversation. San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner's Office. Stockton, California. November 30, 2009.5. “Health Risks Associated with Raising Chickens.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.02 December 2009.6. MacDonald, G. Jeffrey. “Chickens are coming back to roost in America’s gardens.” USA Today. November 10, 2009. December 2, 2009.7. My friends, Bart. “Helping poultry farmers raise birds in an urban area.” American Poultry Association.December 2, 2009.8. Skinner, Katy. “Articles about chickens in the city.” The city chicken.02 December. 2009 .