November 20, 2007

PENNSYLVANIA – A young girl in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania might have to give up her nine pet chickens, depending on how a town board rules. Melissa Hensler found out she'd have to give up the birds when a neighbor complained about them – citing town zoning that says chickens can't be kept on residential property.

The chicken problem gained national attention last month, and since then 70 people in the Huntingdon neighborhood said they disagree with the township's ruling – as do hundreds of online supporters who signed a petition backing the Henslers.

The birds have names like Lobster, Cocoa, and Steak - a fact the Henslers say helps prove they are pets.

During a contest held in the township last year one of Melissa's birds, named Sundae, was named Huntingdon's most unusual pet. The Henslers say if the town didn't have a problem then, they shouldn't now.

The case went before the town zoning board, but that resulted in a tie vote since one board member wasn't present. The group will vote again in December.

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