Residents oppose proposed ordinance prohibiting animals

Holyoke City Council has been discussing an ordinance which prohibits keeping animals within the corporate limits of the city. The topic will return to the council meeting agenda Tuesday, Oct. 6.

The proposed ordinance cites specifically cattle, horses, mules, sheep, goats, swine, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese or other fowl.

Exceptions within the city include the confines of the Phillips County Fairgrounds or a duly licensed livestock sale ring, sale barn or veterinarian’s office.

Meanwhile, Tawney Rueter and Kathleen Lueth have organized a petition-signing campaign in opposition to the proposed ordinance.

The petition narrative notes that Holyoke is a farming community centered around agriculture.

The petition states, “There are many city youth that participate in 4-H, FFA and other ag-related activities that do not have access to county living. These young people depend on backyard poultry as their projects to learn responsibilty and to raise money for college. If poultry is banned within the city limits, these young people lose this opportunity.

“Many people depend on small animals such as chickens for meat and eggs, especially in consideration of the constrictions COVID-19 has put on all of the community members. Pygmy animals such as goats and pot-belly pigs provide companionship to many people just like dogs and cats.”

Petitions in both English and Spanish are located at Hometown Liquor, S&W Auto Supply, Happy Jacks Barbeque and Jake’s Feed.