Des Moines wants to ban cock-a-doodle-doos

Urban farmers are squawking in protest as a new city proposal would ban roosters and cut the number of hens allowed in Des Moines from 25 to 12.

Why it matters: The limits go against local food production goals, Ed Fallon of Birds & Bees Urban Farm in Sherman Hill said in a press release.

Catch up fast: Councilperson Linda Westergaard has pushed for tighter chicken regulations for years.

• Roosters are too noisy and large flocks can create smells or attract flies that are unpleasant to neighbors, she said during a council meeting Monday.

The other side: Backyard chickens are an important food source for many people and can reduce the amount of kitchen waste taken to the landfill, per Birds & Bees.

The intrigue: Ankeny approved allowing people to keep up to six hens following advocacy from urban farmers.

• That policy explicitly excludes roosters.

What's next: The ordinance's second of three readings is expected to go before City Council on Aug. 5.