What's at stake?
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors will introduce a policy this week to restrict the number of roosters that can be kept per property.
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors could introduce a policy to help cap the number of backyard roosters allowed per home.
The policy seeks to circumvent the growing rooster population in the county, similar to dog breeding permit policies. The new law would address a public nuisance, officials say, that has brought forward issues like illegal cock fighting and the inhumane treatment of birds.
The policy would restrict homeowners to 10 roosters on their property, free of charge. However, residents would be able to apply for an application that could increase that amount to no more than 24 — pending a possible onsite inspection by county officials.
The application would cost prospective homeowners $240 annually, and also include a $440 application fee, which will help cover the costs for background checks and inspections by local county officials.
The backyard roosters policy is offering exemptions for organizations like the University of California and Future Farmers of America, and commercial ranches whose primary commodity is the production of eggs or meat for sale, so long as they meet certain requirements.
The new policy would also allow local officials to take unpermitted backyard roosters to local shelters if they are found running amok without an owner present, being kept in an inhumane manner or if they “pose a threat to public safety.” If the rooster is not reclaimed by the owner within six business days, the county will reserve the right to either sell the rooster or kill it in a humane manner.
Confiscated roosters that have been found to have participated in cock fights will be killed.
The new policy would punish violators up to $100 per violation during their first offense, with further violations including penalties of as much as $500 per violation.
The Fresno County district attorney and county counsel also pursue legal charges, such as the DA being allowed to levy misdemeanor charges to violators.
The second hearing on the item is expected on Oct. 7. The policy, if the board approves it, would go into effect 30 days after the hearing — in early November.
The hearing comes at a time when state lawmakers are crafting a state-wide backyard roosters restriction policy.
The next Fresno County Board of Supervisors meeting is on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the board chambers on the second floor of the Fresno County Hall of Records building. Residents can also watch the meeting online through a livestream on the county’s Youtube page.
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