Liverpool man who wants to keep chickens takes fight to council

A Liverpool man who wants to keep backyard chickens says he's not giving up his fight and will present a petition to council Tuesday.

Edward Whynot has almost 400 signatures for his online petition, calling on the Region of Queens Municipality to "amend bylaws with regards to keeping hens on one's own property."

He has collected another 100 signatures on a handwritten petition.

• Liverpool man ruffles feathers fighting chicken bylaw

Some of the online comments include:

• "Everyone should have the right to produce their own food. What is a few chickens gonna hurt?"
• "It's absolutely crazy. Let the man have his chickens"
• "I think we as a region have much bigger fish to fry than spending all this time on chickens"

"I'm just overwhelmed with such great support," said Whynot, who can't understand why five chickens are a problem for the municipality. 

He says he grew up with chickens, enjoys being around them and appreciates the fresh eggs.

He's garnered support from the local paper, The Queens County Advance. An online editorial accuses the municipality of bungling the issue and giving the the town a black eye.

Support from Germany, B.C.

Whynot's chicken battle has attracted attention and a signature from as far away Germany.

Another supporter in Duncan, B.C. says they've been allowed chickens for a couple of years with no problem.

The municipality has advised Whynot he's violating the rules and if he wants them changed, he must pay an estimated $700 and apply to rezone his property.

Whynot says the fee doesn't make sense. If anyone else wants chickens, they'd have to pay as well, he says, adding it would be much easier for council to adjust the bylaw. 

He's hoping the petitions will have an impact.

"These councillors are put in by the public so why not do what the public wants," Whynot said.

Mayor Christopher Clarke says Whynot's petition will be tabled but no immediate action will be taken. 

As for Whynot, he says regardless of what happens at council, he's not giving up the fight.