Roosters could soon be banned in Desert Hot Springs

The Desert Hot Springs City Council unanimously passed an ordinance that would ban roosters within city limit.

Prior to the approval of the new ordinance, the city allowed residents to own up to six roosters at a residence without any restrictions. This new ordinance makes it against the law to own any roosters.

Many Desert Hot Springs residents expressed their displeasure of having roosters within the city, particularly because of how much noise they make early in the morning.

At Tuesday's city council meeting, Desert Hot Springs Police Chief Jim Henson brought up a number of other concerns, including health/sanitation issues, damage to property values, and the possibility of illegal cockfighting.

"Animal Care and Control has picked up a dead rooster who had a spur attached to his leg. This type of spur is associated with cockfighting," Henson said.

The ordinance will return on December 3 for second reading and adoption. Residents who own laying hens will not be affected.