Definitely contact animal control no matter what, as they still might have some advice. If it's fence-in, though, your neighbors will need to keep their chickens contained and reimburse you for your destroyed crops. If the animals can be proven to be violent, that also helps your case!
In May 2024, the state of Arizona enacted House Bill 2325, which prohibits municipal laws and ordinances from banning backyard chickens on certain single-family home properties. This legislation supports homeowners who engage in poultry keeping while establishing standard agricultural practices.
You should consider starting with a complaint with animal control. If this does not solve the issue, the chickens are likely a legal nuisance. A demand letter from an attorney is appropriate at if animal control doesn't resolve the issue. Please visit .avvo to find dozens of attorneys in your area.
Unfortunately, if they prove the dogs are aggressive, they can make you remove them from the property. If the dogs are service animals or emotional support animals, even though those are protected under the law, if they are aggressive and it can be proven they are aggressive the HOA can force you to remove them.
If your home is subject to a homeowners association (HOA), you'll need to read through the bylaws to determine if chickens are allowed. All HOAs are required to have written bylaws and meeting minutes to provide to residents.
Homeowners associations are known for their strict rules, even when it comes to pets. If an HOA's governing documents prohibit chickens, homeowners can't keep them even if their local government permits them. Today, many governing documents still restrict chickens, also referred to as livestock or poultry.
They have every authority to force you to remove your chickens, if they violate the CC&Rs, because you agreed to live by those rules when you moved into the area. Checking with the neighbors first was just wasted effort. If you don't remove them then you're likely to be assessed fines. How big are the lots?
Although backyard chickens seem to be around every corner these days, many homeowners associations still prohibit them. Sometimes rules are rules and you may well have reached a dead end, but with a little legwork and determination, a brood of your own may still be within reach.
In starting a homestead with chickens, the challenges and uncertainties that can arise may seem overwhelming. From selecting the right chicken breeds to ensuring their health in a homestead environment, becoming a successful chicken keeper requires comprehensive guidance and practical solutions.
No more than 25 birds (chickens, turkeys, bantams) may be kept. Coop must be at least 5 feet from the owner's dwelling and 50 feet from neighbors' dwellings.