City law protects chickens, mayor says

TAMPA -- Ybor City's roosters are free to roam the streets, says Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio.

She announced at an Ybor City Chamber of Commerce luncheon this week that an ordinance passed by the City Council in 1989 designated Tampa as a sanctuary for all birds, including "wildfowl." So trapping the birds is illegal, say city officials.

That information is good news to Tommy Stephens, who has been leading protests against neighbors who complain that the chickens are a nuisance.

"This solves my problem, and I'm very happy," Stephens said. He said he has contacted the police to let them know they can cite people caught disturbing the animals.

Janet Zink, Times Staff Writer

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