When you think of chickens, Old MacDonald's farm might come to mind, but in South Bend chickens are headed to the city.
It's been a hot topic for years now: "The backyard chicken debate."
On Monday The South Bend Common Council finally reached a decision.
They gave urban chickens the green light.
The Council voted 6-3 to allow residents to raise chickens in their backyards.
Residents who want to do so, must pay $20 a year for a permit.
Also, residents can only raise hens, not roosters, and can only have up to six in their backyard.
Although the issue has been contentious over the years, at Monday's council meeting only one person spoke in opposition saying he fears people will buy chickens thinking they'll be a cool pet, but then won't be able to take care of them, "It's just a matter of time before that chicken coop becomes dilapidated and the chickens become sick. You're going to start seeing chickens in dumpsters. You're going to see them wandering around alleyways in South Bend."
But those in favor say raising their own chickens is healthier for their families, "We want the right to raise chickens because we want to know how our food was raised and that it's safe. We also want the right to raise chickens because it's better for the environment."
Code enforcement will be in charge of making sure residents are in compliance with the urban chicken guidelines.
