According to The Southland Times, the bylaw relates to animals, poultry and bees, and under the new bylaw no poultry caged or otherwise shall be kept in predominantly urban areas unless in a properly constructed poultry house; not within 10m of any building, and not containing any noisy animal, or bird that causes a nuisance to residents. The bylaw was passed late last month.

In a submission to the bylaw, Clyde resident Peter Dowling said that he felt the new bylaw lacked the strength of the previous one, which stated clearly that no roosters are permitted to be kept.

"We have had problems with one rental property house in our neighbourhood which seems to attract tenants wanting to keep hens and roosters.

"In spite of the bylaw stating that roosters are not allowed, we have had trouble getting the council to enforce the bylaw," Mr Dowling wrote.