Dear Editor:
A Councilperson recently stated that although he has received more “against” comments than “for” comments about raising chickens in Wausau backyards he is prepared to vote for it since he believes that the people who are “for” it just haven’t contacted him. This is a very interesting type of data analysis!
There are many good reasons that raising poultry in the city limits should not be allowed: their droppings smell-especially when wet, they make annoying noises, they contaminate the ground where they range, and mainly they transmit salmonella germs which can cause serious illness and occasionally death. Chickens may spread this germ in their droppings and on their feathers. Flies like chickens and their droppings and may pick up this germ when visiting them. Flies also like potato salad and other picnic foods and may leave salmonella behind when they drop in for a visit. Finally, allowing chickens in the city will cost the taxpayers money because someone will have to inspect and enforce the “chicken laws” and be paid out of the city budget.
No one yet has put forth a single good reason for allowing poultry within the city limits. They are said to be consumers of “table scraps”. This would require throwing garbage in the back yard where it will attract raccoons, feral cats, and other vermin. This is not what we want in our neighborhoods. It is also said that they eat bugs. But, bugs are part of the eco-system too! Finally it is said that they allow it in other cities. Hardly a thoughtful reason to take the risks of raising fowl in Wausau.
The City Council has many items on its agenda that are important to the citizens of Wausau. This is not one of them. Eggs are available at Kwik Trip.
Sincerely,
John Hattenhauer, Wausau
Editor’s note: Wausau Pilot & Review welcomes your letters about issues facing Wausau area residents. Letters must be signed and should include a phone number or email for verification purposes only. Anonymous letters are not published. Send your thoughts to [email protected].
