By Dedra Cordle
Staff Writer
Residents in the village of Urbancrest were horrified when they witnessed the field dressing of a deer in the front lawn of a neighboring home. Now, their reaction could bring forth a change in legislation.
At the April 7 meeting, council members discussed whether there should be an outright ban on the field dressing of animals within the village limits or if it should be allowed, but modified to shield an unsuspecting public from the act.
When the topic of following state law was addressed, code enforcer Marvin Mitchell said the state law largely leaves the decision up to the individual community.
“There are some communities where it is allowed, but they do not allow it to happen in the front yard,” he said. “Most allow it in the backyard, but they do have to have a fence.”
Mitchell said the fence provision was put in place so neighbors did not have to see the field dressing.
Councilman Kenneth Skeaton wondered whether putting forth legislation to prohibiting the sight and/or sound of a field dressing would be better than outright banning the act.
Councilwoman Deborah Larkins-Jackson said she supported the prohibition. Mayor Joseph Barnes Sr. said he was in favor of the prohibition as well.
“There should be no dressing of animals within the village, period,” Barnes said. “There is no need for that.”
Council members said they would look into the matter further and clear up language in the state law before they decide to bring forth legislation to prohibit field dressings or make limited allowances.
In other news
Larkins-Jackson said there have been complaints about residents raising roosters and she wondered if there were any laws on the books that prohibited the raising of chickens or roosters within the village. Lawrence said livestock may be prohibited but he is unsure about poultry. Jackson said she would like the health and safety committee to look into the matter to decide whether that is something they want to allow.
The council also tabled a third reading regarding the restriction of access to vehicles turning onto Augustus Drive from Urbancrest Industrial Drive from the hours of 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. They said they would like more time to look into the feasibility of the restriction.
