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Residents Flock To Back Chickens

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By RAY REYES

rreyes@tampatrib.com

Published: November 17, 2008

TAMPA - What started as a protest became a show of support Sunday afternoon as nearly 100 people marched down Seventh Avenue on behalf of Ybor City's chickens.

They paraded past bars, restaurants and tattoo parlors, waving signs with colorful slogans such as "Don't Flock With Us" and "What's the Cluckin Problem?" Some had noisemakers; one man banged on a drum, and a few cradled pet chickens in their arms as they marched.

"These chickens have been here longer than these stupid bars," said Tampa resident Lori Moreda, holding a chicken named Ooey.

In recent weeks, business owners have complained that a handful of Ybor City's 100 or so chickens have strayed into the business district and caused problems.

The complaints have settled down in the past week, though, animal trapper Mike Martinez said.

Martinez went out Sunday morning to put identifying bands on stray chickens. Only one hen received a band after residents objected.

"Right now I'm going to wait it out a little and see if any more people complain," Martinez said.

March organizer and chicken advocate Tom Stephens said an agreement has been reached with Martinez about how to manage the birds' migratory patterns.

Stephens, the vice president of the Historic Ybor Neighborhood Civic Association, said he hopes Sunday's march "will show a lot of people are for the chickens and not against them."

"The chickens don't hurt anything," supporter Doug Hicks said. "They don't harm anybody."

Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 259-7920. Keyword: Rooster, to see photos from the event.

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