Backyard flock can stay

Six cornish hens can stay in a Summerside, P.E.I., backyard, after councillors rejected a motion to rezone the property where they live.

Jackie Biggar's neighbours have been pushing to have his property rezoned residential to force him to get rid of the birds.

Council consulted with the province's chief health officer, who told them the tiny, free-range birds do not pose a health threat. Police officers visited Biggar's home and reported the hens are enjoying adequate living conditions.

Feeling they had no reason to send the hens packing, at Monday's meeting councillors reversed a January decision to ban Biggar's birds and told him he will have to reapply for permission every two years.

His first permit covers him until the end of 2007.