Feral chickens are strangely normal in Key West, but wildlife experts are becoming concerned with their aggressive behaviors lately. Now city officials are seeking to make feeding these free-roaming animals illegal.
According to NBC Miami, officials unanimously passed an ordinance on a first reading Wednesday, which is awaiting a second vote. This ordinance would fine people $250 per day giving food to the wild chickens -- and that's just for the first violation. If you become a repeat offender, it's $500 a day.
Reporters say the wild birds have little trouble getting food. People may feed them junk food like french fries and popcorn to bird feed. Chickens are reportedly approaching people and flooding neighborhoods for their next meal. Some residents have reported chickens attacking them, mistaking dog feces they put in the trash as food.
“The fowl have a feast,” City Commissioner Clayton Lopez said, who sponsored the measure. “They can pick and choose better than we can what they eat off their plate.” The ordinance also claims the wild chickens carry and spread diseases, destroy property, and cause copious amounts of fecal deposits on public property.”
Tom Sweets, the executive director of the Key West Wildlife Center, told reporters, "Nothing is worse for the chickens than feeding them. I’ve never seen a skinny chicken in Key West unless it’s sick or injured. There’s really not a need. They’re quite capable of taking care of themselves."
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