Other animals besides chickens ruffle feathers

As I read the June 23 Gazette report on the Yard Chickens, and a couple of days later, columnist Todd Dorman mentioned them again, I couldn't help but wonder: How must this sound to the folks with three or four 80-pound mongrels waiting to rip the face off an unsuspecting meter reader, or a half dozen unleashed, free-roaming cats waiting to devour a careless song bird at my feeder.

As for chickens, we all know, they are like Ralphie's Red Ryder BB gun. Just waiting to poke your eye out.

However: There are no “required” training classes for pet owners that I'm aware of. And anyone is qualified to be a parent.

Fences that aim to restrain most other pets are on the lot line, not 10 feet back.

I certainly don't remember my neighbor notifying me of her intent to have six or seven dogs.

As for six chicks' manure, I'll match that with one chocolate lab and raise you three pit bulls' droppings for size and stench. Now that's “fowl” for ya.

And a $25 permit. What is that all about? It's like the traffic cameras. It's not about money, it's about public safety.

I know I'll sleep better tonight knowing the “Coopers” in my neighborhood are “permitted,” well-trained, and their fowl layers well-restrained.

Ray Buck

Cedar Rapids