Something To Cluck About: Brooksville Man Allowed To Keep 55 Chickens

Leon Atkinson can keep his chickens after all.

In a 90-minute debate Tuesday, Atkinson convinced county commissioners that his 55 fowl are not a threat to neighbors. They don't smell and they don't make noise, he said.

About two dozen audience members spoke in favor of their neighbor and his "pets."

The problem: Atkinson was in violation of county regulations that prohibit farm animals from being on residentially zoned property.

Atkinson, who lives on Peterson Camp Road, near Istachatta, had filed an appeal of an administrative decision to allow him to keep the chickens he's had for eight years.

The county had received a complaint about the chickens, prompting the appeal.

Atkinson said his chickens are well-behaved.

In the end, commissioners reached a compromise. They made sure the county regulation against farm animals on residential property will still be upheld. However, after hearing the outpouring of support and other evidence, they agreed there was adequate cause to allow Atkinson to keep his chickens.

But he will be required to keep a close eye on his pets and make sure they don't become a nuisance.

At times, the debate took a humorous turn.

"(My wife) knows each and every one by name and some will come when called," Atkinson said. "Others squat, asking to be picked up."

He asked anyone in the audience to stand in support of his chickens but was told by Commissioner Chris Kingsley that such shows of solidarity are not normally done - even for fowl.

"I'm here to support these chickens," said Irene Mackie of Istachatta.

Mackie said she and her friends frequently walk past the Atkinson house and they feed the chickens.

"They're pets with names that live in a fenced yard," she said.

Dalton Murphy,12, said he lives next to Atkinson and he would hate to see the chickens evicted. They don't cause any harm, he added.

Murphy said they don't make much noise nor do they have a "foul smell."

"They're actually pretty funny," he said.