Mr. Clucky Heads to Court

Mark Buckley found a white rooster in some bushes near his Miami Beach neighborhood.  The bird was seriously injured.  There was a gash on its head and part of its beak had been sliced off.  (Buckley believes the rooster escaped from a botched religious ceremony.)  The young man nursed the animal back to health and taught it how to ride on the handlebars of his bicycle.  He named the bird Mr. Clucky - and the two became inseparable pals.  For three years they traveled around the city promoting animal rights causes.  Crowds of tourists flocked to see them.  In 2008, Mr. Clucky was heralded as Miami Beach's "Activist of the Year" by MetroMix Magazine, and he was even awarded the post of Grand Marshal at last fall's King Mango Strut in Coconut Grove, Florida.

But then Mr. Clucky ran afoul of the law.  From ZooToo:  Mark Buckley, owner of the pet rooster, was cited for keeping a farm animal within the city on May 27.  This week Buckley replied to the violation by paying the $75 hearing fee and wrote "Mr. Clucky is a highly valued member of this community and any charges against us are unwarranted." ...According to Buckley, hundreds of letters in protest of the citation are pouring into City Hall...  In addition to public support, which comes from as far away as Germany, the media has jumped to cover the story, including a newspaper in New Hampshire and national TV morning shows...  While Buckley and Mr. Clucky wait to see which direction the court's decision will go, Buckley says he is happy knowing that the ordeal has already brought a community together.  This also includes a group of homeless vets which have vowed to Buckley that they will hold a vigil for Mr. Clucky the eve of the hearing "to put a stop to this" as they consider the plucky Mr. Clucky family to them.

Mr. Clucky is expected to appear in court on July 30 at 9 a.m.  (You can sign a petition on Mr. Clucky's website, here.)

Laws prohibiting people from keeping farm animals in urban areas are probably a good idea.  But it seems to me that Mr. Clucky should be given a special dispensation in recognition of all the good work he does. 

Your Honor, I'm begging you.  Pardon this chicken.

Comments

[Jane]

There is quite a movement afoot to allow backyard poultry in residential neighborhoods again. Not usually roosters, because they can be so loud, but three or four hens to provide eggs, fertilizer for the garden, and that nostalgic experience - and knowledge of were food comes from and how to care for the plants and creatures that feed you. Check out Seattle Tilth - they have a yearly coop tour that would surprise you for the creativity inspired.
http://www.seattletilth.org/

Hope Mr. Clucky gets an exception made in his favor.