KALIBO, Aklan — A British resident in Barangay Estancia, Kalibo, has lodged a formal complaint against his neighbor over what he describes as a disruptive and illegal practice of raising chickens in a residential area.

According to Paolo Laorenza, who lives along Melgar Road, his neighbor Rodel Melgar began keeping several chickens directly beside his window. Laorenza said the constant clucking and crowing disturbed him during resting hours, including midnight and early mornings. He also raised concerns about sanitation, noting that the cramped and unhygienic chicken enclosures have caused foul odors and attracted flies and rodents.

Despite a sanitation order issued by the Kalibo Sanitation Office, Laorenza claims the situation has continued unabated. He has requested immediate action from the Municipal Health Office and the Sanitation Office, urging the removal of the chickens within 72 hours. He warned that if authorities fail to act, he may escalate the matter to the Office of the Mayor or file a legal complaint.

In response, Melgar said the chickens were intended for sale to a buyer from nearby Lezo on January 17 but that the sale did not push through. He insists the animals were only a few and not permanent residents.

This incident highlights the growing tension between traditional urban practices, such as backyard poultry raising, and the expectations of residential communities for peace and hygiene. While small-scale farming can provide income and sustenance, questions remain about regulations, enforcement, and the balance between livelihood and neighborhood harmony. How can local governments mediate conflicts between urban farmers and residents to ensure both economic activity and community well-being? (Larawan mula sa: Paolo Laorenza / Facebook)