What the cluck?.Urban hens will soon be recognized as licensed pets, allowing Calgary homeowners to start erecting their coops..Applications open March 21, with 100 urban livestock licenses being handed out..If more than 100 applicants enter the first round, there will be a lottery held for approval..Calgarians will have to receive the licence prior to building their hen coops and runs..“The urban hen program introduces urban livestock licensing and regulation to Calgarians, ensuring proper housing, care conditions and opportunities to address any community-based concerns are incorporated,” said Jennifer Lawlor, Calgary strategic services leader..Applicants must be 18-years-old, complete a hen care program, gain a premises identification number and own the property or have approved consent from the property owner..Peace officers will conduct inspections of applicants’ backyards and hen set up before approval and acquirement of the chickens..No roosters or hens under 16-weeks-old will be permitted..Many Canadian cities — such as Victoria, Vancouver, Surrey, Edmonton, Kingston, Niagara Falls, Brampton, Guelph, and some parts of Montreal — allow backyard chickens..Chickens are banned in Toronto, but many residents still keep them illegally..The city of Calgary website explains the program was designed in line with others around the country..“The program is aligned with national care guidelines and structured similar to other municipalities across Canada that have successfully implemented urban hen programs,” the website states..Ewa Sudyk is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.esudyk@westernstandardonline.com
