Weirton Council plucking wild chicken problem
By CRAIG HOWELL, City editor
POSTED: August 19, 2008
Article Photos
Fact Box
“They’re all over the bowl.”— Mayor Mark Harris
Council voted 6-0 to enter into a contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services to perform a study on a flock of “feral chickens” located in the Kings Creek area of the city.
According to Weirton Police Chief Bruce Marshall, officials will perform a preliminary site investigation to determine the extent of the issue and then design a more specific plan to deal with the possible removal of the birds.
Marshall said it is estimated there are between 70 and 100 chickens running around the area.
Information provided by the city shows the contract will cost the city no more than $3,904 for the project, including $2,176 for personnel costs, $782 for vehicle usage, $403 for supplies, and $543 for program support.
According to city officials, the chickens involved have caused illness and injury, as well as presented a threat to the safety of city employees and the public.
“They’re all over the bowl,” Mayor Mark Harris said.
Officials stated that the feral chickens have been spotted roosting in trees in some parts of the area.
Weirton City Manager Gary DuFour explained that a portion of the city code, dating back to 1971, does allow for residents to keep chickens within the city limits, under certain circumstances.
Some on council expressed some concerns as to what would happen if the chickens are removed and later became a problem again.
“What keeps us from coming back here next year?” Ward 3 Councilman Fred Marsh asked.
Officials stated the course of action would be determined by the study, but they would continue to have the city’s animal control officer look into it if the issue continues.
Ward 7 Councilman Max Fijewski was not in attendance at this morning’s meeting.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell<\@>weirtondailytimes.com)
