Are Backyard Chickens Allowed in London, Ontario?

London, Ontario, is a thriving, vibrant city known for its rich history, beautiful parks, and growing interest in sustainability and local food production. In recent years, urban agriculture has become a topic of much discussion in cities across Canada, including London. One of the key topics within this movement is the idea of raising backyard chickens. Many cities have adopted policies that allow residents to raise chickens in their backyards, but is London one of them? In this article, we’ll explore the current regulations, historical attempts to change the laws, and the ongoing public debate surrounding backyard chickens in London, Ontario.

Current Status of Backyard Chickens in London, Ontario

As of now, backyard chickens are not permitted within the municipal boundaries of London, Ontario. The city’s Animal Control By-law (PH-3) prohibits the keeping of “Class 2 animals,” which includes chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and other domestic fowl. This regulation applies to all residential areas, regardless of the size of the property or its zoning. The by-law is enforced by the Licensing & Municipal Law Enforcement Department.

The decision to prohibit backyard chickens in London is rooted in concerns related to public health, noise, sanitation, and animal welfare. City officials have historically been cautious about the risks associated with urban livestock, including the potential for the spread of disease and the challenges of maintaining proper sanitation in residential areas. As a result, the by-law remains in effect, and keeping chickens within the city limits is prohibited.

The Animal Control By-law (PH-3)

The Animal Control By-law (PH-3) is the regulation that governs the types of animals that can be kept within the city. This by-law classifies animals into two categories: Class 1 and Class 2. Class 1 animals are generally domesticated pets, such as dogs, cats, and rabbits, that are allowed in residential areas with certain restrictions (e.g., number of pets). Class 2 animals, on the other hand, include farm animals, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and goats, which are not allowed in urban or residential areas unless specific permits are granted for agricultural zones.

Under the current by-law, all Class 2 animals are prohibited within city limits. This includes any type of poultry, such as chickens, ducks, or geese. As a result, residents who are interested in raising chickens for fresh eggs or as pets are not legally allowed to do so within the city. This restriction is enforced by city by-law officers, who respond to complaints or reports of illegal animal-keeping within urban areas.

Exceptions to the Rule

While the Animal Control By-law does not generally allow for backyard chickens in London, there are some exceptions. For example, some residents may live in agricultural zones or on properties that are specifically zoned for farming or rural uses. These properties may have different regulations that allow for the keeping of chickens, turkeys, and other farm animals. However, for most residential areas within the urban core of London, the by-law prohibits the keeping of poultry.

Historical Attempts to Change the By-law

The issue of backyard chickens has been a topic of debate in London for many years. In fact, the question of whether or not to allow chickens in urban areas has been raised multiple times over the past decade. Residents have petitioned the city, attended council meetings, and even proposed pilot projects to test the feasibility of allowing backyard chickens in some areas of London. However, despite these efforts, the city council has yet to approve any changes to the by-law that would permit urban chicken-keeping.

The 2010 Request

In 2010, a local resident in London made a request to the city to allow the keeping of chickens on their property due to personal circumstances. This request was seen as an isolated case, but it sparked a broader conversation about urban farming and the benefits of raising chickens in the city. The request was ultimately denied, but it did draw attention to the growing interest in sustainable living and the desire for urban agriculture in London.

The 2017 Pilot Project Proposal

In 2017, the city proposed a pilot project that would allow a small number of residents in select neighborhoods to keep chickens in their backyards. The idea was to test the feasibility of backyard chickens in an urban setting and to assess whether they could be managed responsibly without causing disruption to neighbors or the community. The proposal gained some support from advocates of urban agriculture, who argued that allowing chickens would provide fresh, local eggs, reduce food waste, and foster a sense of connection to food production.

However, the pilot project faced significant opposition from other residents and city officials. Public health officials raised concerns about the potential risks of disease transmission, particularly in densely populated urban areas. They also worried about the challenges of maintaining sanitation and proper care for chickens in small, confined spaces. In the end, the pilot project was not approved, and the by-law prohibiting chickens remained unchanged.

The 2020 Advocacy Campaigns

Despite the failure of the pilot project, the issue of backyard chickens has continued to be a topic of conversation in London. In 2020, a grassroots advocacy campaign emerged, calling for the legalization of backyard chickens in urban areas. Supporters of the campaign argue that allowing chickens would promote sustainability, provide educational opportunities for children, and give residents greater control over their food sources.

Several petitions were circulated online, and public demonstrations were organized to draw attention to the issue. The campaign received some media coverage, and a number of local politicians expressed support for revisiting the issue. However, no formal action has been taken by city council to change the by-law as of 2025.

Public Support and the Case for Backyard Chickens

Despite the city’s current stance on backyard chickens, there is a growing movement among residents advocating for the legalization of poultry-keeping within urban areas. Proponents of backyard chickens argue that raising hens can provide numerous benefits, both for individuals and the community as a whole.

Environmental Benefits

One of the key arguments in favor of backyard chickens is the environmental benefit they provide. Chickens are natural waste recyclers and can help reduce household food waste by consuming vegetable scraps, food leftovers, and other organic matter. This reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, contributing to a more sustainable waste management system.

Additionally, chickens can provide natural fertilizer for gardens. Their manure is rich in nutrients that can be used to fertilize plants, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. This contributes to healthier soil and promotes sustainable gardening practices.

Educational and Community Benefits

Advocates also highlight the educational value of raising chickens. Having chickens in the backyard can teach children about food production, animal care, and responsibility. It provides an opportunity for families to become more connected to where their food comes from and encourages a greater appreciation for local food systems.

Furthermore, backyard chickens can help foster a sense of community. In areas where chickens are allowed, neighbors often share eggs, advice, and support for one another. The shared experience of keeping chickens can bring people together and create bonds between urban residents.

Health and Fresh Eggs

Another reason why many people support the idea of backyard chickens is the ability to produce fresh, local eggs. Eggs from backyard chickens are often seen as healthier and more flavorful than those purchased from grocery stores. Raising your own chickens gives you control over their diet, ensuring that they are free from antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals commonly found in industrially-produced eggs.

Fresh eggs are also a nutritious addition to the diet, and many people appreciate the sense of self-sufficiency that comes with raising chickens. Backyard eggs provide a reliable source of protein and can be used in a variety of cooking and baking applications.

Challenges to Overcome

Despite the strong support for backyard chickens in some parts of the community, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed before the city’s by-law could be changed. Some of the key challenges include:

Health and Sanitation Concerns

One of the main concerns raised by opponents of backyard chickens is the potential for the spread of diseases such as salmonella and avian influenza. These diseases can be transmitted from chickens to humans, especially if proper hygiene practices are not followed. Maintaining sanitation in urban environments, particularly in small backyards, can be difficult, and there is concern about the potential for chickens to attract pests or cause odors.

Noisy Neighbors

Another issue is the potential for noise complaints. While hens are generally quieter than roosters, they can still make noise, especially if they are disturbed or stressed. In densely populated urban areas, the sound of chickens clucking could be a source of annoyance for some neighbors. Ensuring that chicken coops are properly designed and situated to minimize noise is crucial for mitigating this concern.

Regulation and Enforcement

If backyard chickens were legalized, the city would need to develop a regulatory framework to ensure that chickens are being kept responsibly. This would likely include guidelines for coop design, animal welfare, and waste management. Enforcement of these regulations would be an additional challenge, as city officials would need to ensure that all chicken-keepers comply with the rules.

Summary

As of now, backyard chickens are not allowed in London, Ontario. The Animal Control By-law (PH-3) prohibits the keeping of chickens and other domestic fowl within the city limits. While there have been attempts to change the by-law in the past, including a pilot project and several advocacy campaigns, the city has not yet legalized backyard chickens. However, there is growing support for the idea, and ongoing public debate may eventually lead to a reconsideration of the city’s regulations.

For those interested in urban agriculture and sustainable living, it’s important to stay informed about city council meetings and public consultations, as these forums provide opportunities to voice opinions and influence potential changes to local regulations. As the demand for sustainable food sources continues to rise, it’s possible that the city of London may reconsider its stance on backyard chickens in the future.