Chickens can’t roost in town under new Columbus ordinance

Chickens and other farm animals could not be kept inside the Columbus city limits, under a new ordinance to be considered tonight by Columbus City Council.

The ordinance would define domestic animals as those commonly kept as household pets, for protection, as companions and for the assistance of disabled people. That list includes dogs, cats, parakeets and other animals, should they be cared for like pets.

Farm animals would be those animals used for transportation, recreation, food, skins or for other byproducts. That includes horses, cattle, pigs and chickens, among others.

Both types of animals would be illegal in the city limits, but domestic animals would be allowed if they are being kept as pets or by an animal keeper.

Columbus City Council meets at 6 p.m. tonight in the Cal Brand Meeting Room at Columbus City Hall.