Show cockerels may be allowed on allotments in County Durham as a local authority reviews its policy following discussions with residents.
Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked next week to reconsider a decision to ban cockerels from council-owned allotments.
The recommendation is to revert to the authority’s previous approach, where show cockerels would be allowed on council-owned allotments if permission has been granted by the authority.
Following a public consultation, the council updated its allotment tenancy agreement earlier this year which removed permission to keep cockerels on allotments.
However, following community feedback regarding animal welfare, the practicalities of implementing the ban, and the potential impact on longstanding allotment practices, Cabinet is being invited to reconsider the council’s policy on the birds.
Cllr Dawn Bellingham, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for communities and resilience, said: “After consulting with residents, we reviewed our allotment policy which included changes to the keeping of show cockerels. The decision to introduce a ban on cockerels is in line with neighbouring local authorities.
“Since then, we have had representations from tenancy holders, fellow councillors and organisations highlighting their concerns around the welfare of current birds. As a result, we have reconsidered our approach.
“It is important to note that the welfare of the birds and the wellbeing of neighbours will always remain a priority. Therefore, any keeping of show cockerels must comply with the conditions set out in the allotment tenancy agreement.”
The revised tenancy agreement will outline that, where a cockerel is found to be creating a statutory nuisance, a ban on the keeping of cockerels will apply across that allotment site and override any other policy.
Cabinet will also be asked to note the requirement for all poultry keepers to register their birds with Animal and Plant Health Agency, in line with national legislation.
Cabinet will review the allotment policy when it meets on Wednesday 16 September.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
