Westwood Officials Scratch Chicken Law Idea

Westwood officials have decided against creating a new law which would govern the keeping of chickens, Councilman Ray Arroyo said this week.

The borough decided against pursuing the law because of budget issues, he said.

"The good news is: no more chicken jokes," Arroyo said, referencing the numerous fowl puns he and other officials made at a previous council meeting.

The borough's zoning officer had suggested a possible chicken law because there are already at least 36 properties in Westwood where chickens are kept.

Officials said they had received some complaints about the birds.

The practice of raising chickens for eggs and meat has become increasingly popular in recent years as part of the sustainability and homesteading movements, but the practice remains outlawed in some towns.

Residents who keep chickens said that there is nothing wrong with the practice. Cecilia Brennan said that having chickens is like having other pets, like cats or dogs, but with the added benefit of eggs.

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