Urban farmer battles to keep chickens in Muncie

  • Comments
  • Print
Listen to this story

Subscriber Benefit

As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
0:00
0:00
Loading audio file, please wait.
  • 0.25
  • 0.50
  • 0.75
  • 1.00
  • 1.25
  • 1.50
  • 1.75
  • 2.00

A Muncie woman who keeps 14 hens in her vegetable-filled backyard in Muncie's downtown area is battling the city to keep her chickens.

Single mother of four Keeley Harra suffers from muscular dystrophy and says her garden is her "oasis."

Harra tells The Star Press her little farm enables her to provide for her family and gives her strength as her illness slowly takes away her independence.

She's battling a city ordinance that makes it illegal to have livestock, including poultry, in residential areas. Muncie Animal Shelter Director Phil Peckinpaugh says a call regarding chickens "at large" tipped his office off to the location of Harra's backyard farm.

Harra has arranged for friends to keep her chickens while she fights the city's chicken restrictions.

Please enable JavaScript to view this content.

Story Continues Below

Editor's note: You can comment on IBJ stories by signing in to your IBJ account. If you have not registered, please sign up for a free account now. Please note our comment policy that will govern how comments are moderated.

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In