Highlands Middle School student William Twehues addressed the Fort Thomas city council Monday to ask for a change in the city’s chicken ordinance. The law allows chickens, but ducks and other fowl are prohibited.
Twehues asked for reconsideration of a special duck breed that does not fly.
“I’ve recently discovered an ordinance related to the keeping of fowl that I find conflict with,” Twehues said. “The ordinance in question passed in 1941 says that it is illegal to keep ducks within the city of Fort Thomas. No reason is given. At face value, this ordinance seems reasonable as ducks are loud and can fly, which could disturb others. However, I believe there are certain species of ducks that should be exempt from this ordinance.”
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Twehues proposed allowing Indian Runner ducks, a species of duck incapable of flight and considered quieter than chickens, in the city. He noted that if the ducks were to escape captivity, he did not believe they would present an invasive species threat because they have several natural predators in our region, including raccoons and coyotes.
“I believe the keepers of the ducks should have to follow similar laws that must be followed by those who keep chickens, as opposed to keeping this species of duck illegal altogether,” Twehues said. “I believe that you should consider the legalization of Indian Runner ducks within the city of Fort Thomas under the same restrictions as chickens.”
City Administrator Matt Kremer said he is looking into the suggestion and will report back to council on his findings soon.