BOSSIER CITY, La. — A push to legalize limited backyard hens in Bossier City was rejected Tuesday by the City Council.

The vote failed 5-2 after residents on both sides of the fence spoke during open comment, pitting neighborhood peace against personal freedom.

Councilmember Brian Hammons, who sponsored the ordinance, framed south Bossier City as “a little bit of both… a little bit of the city, and… a little bit of country.” He said some properties are already grandfathered to keep livestock.

“There’s one house on Rossy Lee, I think they’ve got about 30 chickens. ... There’s not a thing you can do about it," Hammons said. "I’m a yes vote. I know I’m going to lose, but … I can’t really bring up an ordinance and then vote no against it.”

Before the vote, Hammons floated, then pulled back

See Full Page