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Lacombe extends urban hen licences

One -year pilot project extended by council this week to end of 2018
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Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff

Lacombe’s adopted city slicker hens will be around for at least 18 months.

City council approved a recommendation this week to extend urban hen licences until the end of 2018.

“Council is pleased to hear that no formal complaints have been received to date concerning the maintenance of the properties involved or the welfare of the birds,” says Mayor Steve Christie, in a statement.

“In fact, the city has received at least four other inquiries about obtaining licences. However, we are making no changes to the number of licenses issued as there seems to be sufficient supply to meet demand.”

In the fall of 2015, council authorized up to 10 urban hen licences as part of a year-long pilot project.

There was obviously plenty of pent-up interest and all 10 licenses were issued for the period July 2016 to June 2017.

There are eight active licences presently. One was returned and another is in the process of getting the necessary Premises Identification Number from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.

pcowley@reddeeradvocate.com