Animal Control

Pets are important to Hanna citizens and the Town want to ensure the safety of not only those pets, but all residents.

No, only those who meet regulations and are municipally licensed will be permitted to legally keep chickens in residential areas. 

If approved, the proposed Animal Control Bylaw will be updated to reflect  today’s standards to meet all existing legilation and uses modern terminology. It will also include the regulation and control of keeping chickens on a property within town limits.

Some of the regulations, pertaining to hen-keeping that are proposed in the Animal Control Bylaw 1035-2024 are:

• A maximum of 4 hens per household.
• Requirement to obtain a Premises Identification (PID).
• Completion of an Urban Chicken Training course.
• Approval of the location and size of the outdoor coop or structure.
• License fee of $50/hen.
• Roosters are not permitted.

A municipal license will be required to keep chickens. 

As the Bylaw proposes, an applicant will need to meet quite a few requirements in order to sucessfully qualify for a license.

• An inspection of the yard and enclosure.
• Notify all adjoining neighbors of the intent to apply for a Hen License.
• Obtain a Premises Identification (PID) under the Animal Health Act.
• Complete an Urban Chicken Training Course and provide proof of completion.
• Provide name, address and contact information for the Hen Keeper.
• Provide a copy of a Certificate of Title for the subject property.
• Provide written permission t o keep hens on t he subject property from the registered owner if the Hen Keeper is not the registered owner.
• Provide a drawing showing the location and size of the coop or outdoor structure with associated setbacks.
• Completion of an inspection of the property and coop to ensure all requirements have been met.

Bylaw 1035-2024 suggests that a maximum of up  to 4 hens per property be permitted. Chickens need to be four months or older in age to ensure they are hens, not roosters.

To mitigate public health risks the hens are for personal use only. Thesale of chicken products including eggs, meat and manure is suggested to be prohibited.

Hen Licence holders are considered similar to a neighbour having any other kind of pet, and both neighbours are responsible for managing fence line interactions.

Poultry are often prey for foxes, skunks, racoons, cats, dogs and yes coyotes so proper enclosures are required. Weasels and rodents may be attracted to food, water and the eggs laid.  Coops are to be in good repair, provide warmth, insulation and be secure enough that predators can not enter.

Chickens are quite messy when it comes to the amount of manure produced. A single chicken can produce upwards of 10 lbs of manure each month. License holders are required to be responsible pet owners and keep their hen enclosures in good repair and sanitary conditions to prevent nuisance conditions.

Feed is to be stored in a fully enclosed, non-penetrable container. Food and water containers are to be kept in the coop. Leftover feed and manure are to be removed in a timely manner. Manure is to be stored in a fully enclosed container and store no more than 85 litres (3 cubic feet) on the property.

Chickens  can live 6 to 8 years, depending on the species and most flocks will produce eggs for 3-4 years with proper animal care. 

Hens that are no longer wanted or have deceased by natural causes are to be double bagged and taken to a registered veterinarian, farm, or abattoir that is lawfully permitted to dispose of hens.