Wisconsin families support bill allowing backyard chickens

Wisconsin families gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday to support a bill that would allow them to keep backyard chickens. The proposed law would require local governments to permit at least four chickens on residential properties. Currently, rules vary by location, with some cities banning chickens entirely. One young supporter is Cal Bock, 12. His family had chicks in 2022 and raised them until they found out their city, Greenfield, did not allow chickens. “It taught me how to care for an animal,” Cal said, expressing excitement about the potential for more families to keep chickens. Other parents shared similar stories, emphasizing the benefits of having chickens for self-sufficiency and sustainability. Rachel Dowling, a mother from Menasha, mentioned that her sons enjoy raising chickens and connecting with their food sources. The bill's author, Republican Rep. Shae Sortwell, noted that local governments could still set rules and require permits for keeping chickens. However, the bill faces opposition from the City of Milwaukee and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, which did not testify on the proposal. To become law, the bill must pass both chambers of the Republican-controlled Legislature and be signed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. A similar proposal did not receive a vote in the last legislative session.