RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Rapid City City Council after much discussion voted to continue urban hens until at least mid-November on a 6-3 vote.

The issue was not without controversy, with both advocates and opponents in attendance to plea their case for or against urban birds.

Some of the complaints include issues of sound, waste, and lower property values.

Those in attendance were largely advocating for urban hens, though Ward 3 representative Jason (Solomon) Salamun said among his constituents the issue is more controversial.

For Salamun, the question boiled down to rights of property owners. Specifically, if urban hens infringe on the rights of other property owners.

The city of Sioux Falls allows urban hens for years, and has had relatively few complaints regarding them since first being allowed.

The issue will be further discussed at the city council meeting scheduled for Nov. 16.