OCEAN SPRINGS, MS (WLOX) -
After spending the weekend in captivity, three roosters were released Monday in downtown Ocean Springs. The release wasn't quiet though. A debate about the birds' presence came up at a special meeting of the Board of Aldermen.
Even though the roosters have become a popular attraction, there are concerns they could bring more trouble than tourists to downtown. Are the roosters scaring away customers from downtown shops, as one business owner complained?
The frustration was evident for Alderman Matt McDonnell.
"I like the roosters. I like Carl," McDonnell said. "You can turn the whole barnyard loose if you want to downtown. But if a business owner who is paying taxes in this city, who lives in this city is having an issue, then for us to ignore it because we think the rooster is cute, I think we have some responsibility."
Despite their popularity with visitors, others say the birds pose a threat. One of them is Alderman Chic Cody.
"These are adult chickens, adult roosters, males. They could cause some problems and we just don't want that to happen," Cody said.
One of the concerns expressed at the meeting was that these birds can be dangerous. There were allegations that one of the birds attacked a child during the Peter Anderson Festival. WLOX News obtained the police report on the incident that states the child had to receive medical attention.
Alvin Flowers is the city's animal control officer.
"The roosters are acting aggressive, chasing kids, three and four-year-olds, knocking them to the ground, scratching and pecking them, leaving bruises," Flowers said.
Some aldermen also expressed concerns that by allowing the roosters to roam free, the city is in violation of its own animal control ordinance.
Prior to their release Monday, all three roosters had the spurs on their talons clipped. Eventually though, the spurs will grow back.
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