Farms: Residential Farm Animals May Get the Boot in Maryland

Rooster-owning citizens of Montgomery County, Maryland may soon have to make other living arrangements for their fowl. Council members noted that it's been 35 years since rooster zoning was discussed. Rooster-owning citizens of Montgomery County, Maryland may soon have to make other living arrangements for their fowl. At the council's next meeting one of the topics up for discussion is what to do about all of the residential farm animals in the area. Owning them, especially roosters, may owe its popularity to a legendary town fixture named Roscoe the Rooster. As the story goes, Roscoe wandered the streets, being fed by those who loved him. Not everybody was a fan, though. Many didn't appreciate his early am wake-up call. Council members noted that it's been 35 years since rooster zoning was discussed, so it's a conversation needing to be had. Nationwide people are increasingly adding food-producing animals to the mix. Goats are becoming trendy in some areas including the urban parts. A San Francisco health department clause allows for the ownership of two. Berkeley and Portland also have some wiggle room when it comes to backyard goat farming. If this is sounding like a great idea to you, be aware that goats love to chew on things including trees and houses.