Horowhenua District Council is planning to change its Stock Control and Keeping of Poultry, Bees and Pigs Bylaw 2005. According to the news agency, Stuff, the move has sparked strong criticism from some residents, who believe the council should crack down on barking dogs rather than making cockerels run foul of the law. And, the residents say, the council should practise what it preaches. Its marketing slogan is: "Horowhenua: The best rural lifestyle in New Zealand."

Levin residents and chicken breeders Lex and Helen Daly live a semi-rural lifestyle on their 1620-square-metre section in the middle of town. "We love our vegetable garden, fruit trees and chooks, and five-minute walk to the shops," Mr Daly said.

However, they recently gave away their rooster Black King after neighbours repeatedly complained to the council about his crowing.

"He was a lovely, friendly rooster," Mr Daly said. "My wife was very sad to get rid of him. If they are going to totally ban roosters, they also need to ban barking dogs. People go to work and leave their dogs barking all day - you hear them every time the fire siren goes off."

Mrs Daly added: "I would much rather wake to the sound of a rooster crowing than a barking dog."