Is It Time For Great Falls To Change Its Stance on Chickens?

In case you missed it, there is a massive egg recall going on right now and it's been update to a "class one" recall, which is pretty serious.

The recall says eggs affected by the recall may be contaminated with salmonella and officials say it's dangerous enough to get someone killed!

Thankfully, this recall hasn't claimed any lives or (that we know of... yet) affected the great state of Montana but it does provoke an interesting thought about the topic of eggs.

Does The Latest Recall Show We Need Change?

One of my favorite things about living in the Great Falls area is how many locals have been kind enough to share their eggs with my family and I. It's a warm gesture and one that feels like the person giving them to you is accepting you on behalf of the community.

ALSO READ: This Tool Will Show You What Flock Has Recorded of You

Now, as most of you know, it is against the rules in Great Falls to keep chickens as they're classified as livestock.

"According to Title 6 of the City Code, chickens (and other fowl) are classified as livestock," the City of Great Falls says, "It is unlawful to keep, harbor, or maintain livestock within the city limits, except in the R-1 zoning district as defined in Title 17."

Why Does Great Falls Not Allow Backyard Chickens?

The city justifies the limitations due to "questions about public health issues, including odor, waste, etc.", "noise concerns related to roosters", and that many subdivisions already forbid chickens from being in their neighborhoods.

Here's my question and it's an honest one that I have with no ill-intent: if we have to worry about egg recalls anyway (with the latest egg recall literally stating it can kill you), then why not put some of that power back into the hands of the people?

Get our free mobile app

Some big-time industrial chicken producers don't exactly have the best conditions for raising chickens and I would think that going "micro" would prevent cross-contamination, right? Or am I way off on that? I don't own chickens and haven't raised them, I don't know.

Should Chickens Be Allowed in the Backyards of Great Falls?

Surely we can figure out a way to regulate the issues people would have with residents within the city having their own chickens... I mean, we're figuring out data centers and everything else coming our direction, why not something that could benefit so many of us and give us some independence?

Can I get a "CLUCK CLUCK?"

Share your thoughts with me whether you agree or not (this is 'Merica, baby!) HERE. I would especially love to know what longtime locals think and how they feel about it.