Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
At its regular meeting on Tuesday, November 4, the Bossier City Council voted 5–2 to deny a proposed ordinance that would have allowed residents to raise poultry within city limits. The decision means that keeping chickens remains illegal under Section 14-33 of the Bossier City Code of Ordinances.
The proposed amendment sought to relax existing restrictions and permit residents to own a limited number of hens for personal use, such as egg production. Supporters of the ordinance argued that allowing backyard chickens could promote sustainability, provide educational opportunities for children, and help families reduce grocery costs.
However, opponents on the council and in the community raised concerns about odor, noise, and potential sanitation issues, as well as the difficulty of enforcing regulations on coop maintenance and the number of birds kept on properties.
After hearing brief discussion, the council voted against the measure, keeping the city’s long-standing prohibition in place. The ordinance failed to pass on a 5–2 vote, effectively maintaining the current restrictions under city law.
The issue of urban poultry has gained traction in recent years across Louisiana and the nation, with several municipalities revisiting local ordinances to accommodate small-scale chicken keeping. While nearby communities such as Shreveport and Benton have adopted varying guidelines allowing limited poultry ownership, Bossier City will continue to prohibit it within its boundaries.