Chelsea orders couple to give up backyard chickens for violating ordinance

Chelsea has ordered a couple to give up their backyard chickens or face a $500 fine and/or jail sentence, the Chelsea Standard reported.

Chelsea doesn't allow chickens in the city on lots of less than 5 acres.

Roen Montalva and her husband, Tim Farmer, received a letter from the city spelling out the order, the newspaper said. They have 10 days to comply.

Chelsea allows chickens in some areas of the city but not on property of less than 5 acres. A group known as Chelsea Backyard Chickens is trying to change that.

The City Council has discussed allowing chickens, but council members and City Manager John Hanifan have expressed concerns about the potential impact on city residents.

For more Chelsea stories, visit our Chelsea page.