update: urban chickens now legal in Winona, MN

Back in January, I'd blogged about the struggle to update urban chicken ordinances in places like Winona and how the struggle seemed to follow a pattern (see the original post for details).

I'm happy to see (thanks, ponylass!) that Winona has broken the cycle and on July 8, by a vote of 5-1, the city council approved keeping chickens as pets.

From the Winona Radio web site:

It's ok to keep chickens as pets after Monday's Winona City Council's meeting.

The council voted 5 to 1 in favor of allowing chickens within the city limits.

Stacy Blair Nelson of Winona has pet chickens and was one of several people who spoke in favor of the ordinance during a public hearing. Nelson said the birds are a beloved part of the family, like any other pet, and a great source of fresh eggs.

Council member Tim Breeza voted against the ordinance.

The changes will limit the number of chickens to 12, no roosters, no slaughter, and they must live outdoors.

Can't wait to start reading the blogs of urban chicken owners in Winona!