Dozens of Winnipeggers packed into the gallery inside council chambers Monday morning in support of backyard hens.
The group spoke up in support of the city changing by-laws to allow people to raise their own chickens for fresh eggs.
Louise May, who spoke in favour of the issue, raises 50 chickens in St. Norbert.
While speaking to councillors, she pulled a live chicken from a bag. She was asked to leave by the committee chair, as animals are not allowed in the council chamber.
"I think anything that brings attention to it and shows that they’re gentle and clean animals is important," said May, who owns Aurora Farm.
Paula Havixbeck, who is chair of the protection committee, says she was not impressed with May’s stunt.
"I'm worried about disease, I'm very concerned about avian flu and influenza," said Havixbeck.
Advocates say it's easier to prevent such outbreaks with a few chickens compared to a factory farm setting.
The committee has voted and will study allowing chickens as part of the pet ownership by-law currently being worked on.
