Local laws rule the roost
ROOSTERS like those owned by Eumundi resident Daryl Pierce are becoming an endangered species.
New local laws, which came into force on January 1, ban roosters on a block of land smaller than 5ha.
Mr Pierce's property is less than 1.5ha. His five roosters crow each morning, usually from about 5am but occasionally from 3am if there is a full moon.
A complainant on November 24 said the smell from 100 chickens was terrible and at least six roosters were keeping them awake from 1am.
Council officers found Mr Pierce and his family had at least 30 chickens, four roosters and a smattering of ducks and geese.
Mr Pierce said he bred the roosters as a hobby, something he does to help his family become more "self-sufficient".
He said the idea of kicking out the roosters from his hinterland property was ridiculous.
"We're on three acres and we bought this property about eight years ago," Mr Pierce said.
"We looked into all the local regulations before we bought it and you were allowed to have poultry, roosters and cows - it was all good.
"We have always had about four or five roosters for the different breeds of chicken we have.
"They are about 200m from people's houses and no one has complained in the past seven years."
Mr Pierce did not dispute that the roosters made noise, but he likened it to a flock of kookaburras that laughed each day at about 2am and said it was part of the area's atmosphere.
He said the crowing does not wake him up.
"You get used to it - we're in God's country," Mr Pierce said.
He said people who complained were not suited to the country and should live in an apartment.
Mr Pierce must now apply for a licence to have more than 20 chickens, but the roosters have to go.
At a last resort, the council can seize them.
Area councillor Vivien Griffin backed the decision.
