A Method for Guarding Animal Welfare and Public Health: Tracking the Rise of Backyard Poultry Ordinances

In response to a growing number of permissive urban animal agriculture ordinances across the nation, this research reviews the spatial and temporal attributes of urban poultry ordinances across 100 municipalities in Colorado. More poultry ordinances have been passed or modified in Colorado in the last 5 years than in the previous hundred. Comparing regulations to commercial operations and animal shelter surrenders, we find that permissive ordinances cluster near major urban areas even where they are in close proximity to large commercial operations. Most ordinances inadequately address both human and animal health and welfare concerns. Provisions governing animal slaughter and routine veterinary care are rare, presenting a concern for monitoring and intervening in public health crises. In addition, shelters anticipate higher poultry intakes, particularly as unwanted birds are turned loose to become strays.