More than 60 chickens released in Iowa City- possible protest

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Chickens running amok caused a stir in Iowa City Monday morning.

As City Council members passed the measure to draw up an ordinance allowing chickens earlier this month, a narrow pass, many are against the urban flock-keeping, and apparently someone chose to protest the ordinance in an unusual way. While chickens are not yet legalized, city workers will be drawing up a proposed ordinance to allow them in coming months.

Chickens were found within a block of homes of 6 of the 7 council members, scattered over the city in a way that was first thought to be a prank having to do with the high school homecoming.

After collecting the birds for 5 hours, from more than a dozen locations, the birds were taken to the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, where many are currently being sheltered. Others are being managed at the farm of a care center employee. The owners of the chickens have not yet been identified, and if they are not claimed in 5 days, the center will work to find new homes for the birds.

The person or persons responsible could face neglect or cruelty charges due to the abandonment of the animals, who have no defense against predators, such as dogs, raccoons, and automobiles. When asked for a response, most community members didn't feel like a real point was made by whomever made the effort to acquire and distribute the animals. The Gazette reports council member Amy Correia stated she didn’t know if there was a direct correlation to any anti-chicken campaign, but the chickens near her house made her suspicious.

“If it was, it was in very bad taste,” she said. “It’s unthinking to protest using living animals that way.”