Complaints about chickens and goats are on the rise in Reading, where some residents are keeping animals without the required permits, according to a report presented to City Council.<\/p>\n
Anna Miller, chairwoman of the city\u2019s Animal Control Board, said the board is working with the Animal Rescue League of Berks County to address permit violations, monitor animal welfare and educate residents about their responsibilities as pet owners.<\/p>\n
During the presentation last Monday, Miller said the board has identified numerous properties where residents are keeping domestic chickens, ducks and goats, which are classified with exotic animals and require permits.<\/p>\n
The permit costs $100 for the first year and $50 for each subsequent year, with revenue divided equally between the city and its animal control agency.<\/p>\n
No applications for exotic animal permits have been received, she said.<\/p>\n
Council President Donna Reed said she has observed problems involving chickens in her neighborhood.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn my neighborhood, occasionally we see little boxes of chickens, so we have to report,\u201d Reed said. \u201cWe want them to be healthy and happy, but not necessarily in the neighborhood and free ranging all over the part of Glenside.\u201d<\/p>\n
Miller also presented statistics showing the Animal Rescue League recorded 2,504 animal intakes and 877 dispatch calls in Reading during 2025.<\/p>\n
Of those dispatches, 530 involved animal control and 197 were cruelty reports. The agency also conducted 14 animal wellness inspections.<\/p>\n
Another 136 stray cats were trapped, spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and returned to their neighborhoods through the agency\u2019s trap-neuter-return program.<\/p>\n
Miller said the program requires sustained effort to reduce the number of stray cats in city neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
The number of cats handled through ARL\u2019s TNR program has increased with the expansion of services disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve really ramped up their TNR capabilities,\u201d Miller said.<\/p>\n
Councilwoman Vanessa Campos asked whether the Animal Rescue League\u2019s statistics reflected increases or decreases in animal-related activity compared with previous years.<\/p>\n
Miller said she did not have comparative figures but would request them for a future meeting.<\/p>\n
The board also monitors households with six or more dogs or cats, which are required to obtain a special permit, she noted.<\/p>\n
Miller said only one such permit was approved in 2024, although many households appear to meet the requirements without having applied.<\/p>\n
The permits are free and valid for three years. Owners must reapply to demonstrate that their animals have received required vaccinations and are being kept in sanitary conditions.<\/p>\n
The ARL follows up on properties where permits are required to ensure animals are receiving proper care, Miller said.<\/p>\n
The agency also is working with the city to ensure animal breeding operations comply with zoning and licensing requirements.<\/p>\n
The board also has worked with the city and ARL to ensure pets in homeless encampments are healthy and properly cared for, Miller said. A donor has funded a free vaccination clinic for such animals.<\/p>\n
She also reviewed regulations governing dangerous dogs and aggressive animals, noting that owners must comply with state and city requirements and pay an annual $250 permit fee.<\/p>\n
The city has updated its animal control ordinance to bring it into compliance with state regulations.<\/p>\n
The board is not aware of any animal attacks, she said.<\/p>\n