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Original poster

Anonymous note about cockerels

74 replies

Nooz · 21/06/2020 10:48

Next door have got 5 cockerels.

Council have confirmed they have served a noise abatement order and to keep the noise abated in until 8:30 every day, (but they do still crow in their shed from first light only it's less loud).

Next step court but council say that's highly unlikely due to cost

The cockerels are very loud from quite a distance and continues 12 hrs a day. This the middle of the village probably 30 plus properties near by.

Now an anonymous letter has arrived to me and everyone else nearby from someone in the village. It says the noise has devalued their home and has an sae inside inviting us to write to the cockerel owners en mass to let them know what the community thinks

Would you send an anonymous letter?

I have not spoken to them face to face for fear of his reaction. The owners are hillbillies, she is retired, sweet her step-son angry by default and a convicted ketamine dealer. It's very poorly kept, own their house, ex council, have 30-40 hens too.

It does affect us badly. Is this a 'community voice' opportunity or morally wrong to write anonymous notes to neighbours?

Trying to cut through the dilemma so turning to Msnet for stoic wisdom!

Any thoughts really appreciated! Thank you

OP posts:
FredaFrogspawn · 21/06/2020 10:51

Anonymous things are cowardly and unpleasant. By all means jointly work to lose this nuisance but don’t join anything which doesn’t have names put to it. You need to be prepared to see yours there too.

Finfintytint · 21/06/2020 10:52

An anonymous letter is cowardly. Speak to them if you can but continue down the legal routes.

BanginChoons · 21/06/2020 10:53

If you aren't already aware, please consider that iif she has to get rid of the cockerels, chances are they will have to be killed.

ODFOx · 21/06/2020 10:54

They know how the community feels because someone complained to the council and they were served an abatement notice. The council need to sort this out. If everyone uses their stamp for a letter to the council and their mp then they are much more likely to act. Sending the letters to the old lady and druggie son is pointless and bullying.

heartsonacake · 21/06/2020 10:54

I would. I absolutely would. Your neighbours are being really selfish.

Tavannach · 21/06/2020 10:57

I think you'd do better to send a letter to your local councillor signed by everyone who has concerns. You can request anonymity in that.

Dahlietta · 21/06/2020 10:58

Is it actually asking you to write an anonymous letter though? It sounds like they are (anonymously) inviting everyone to club together and write a note signed "all the neighbours". Otherwise, they wouldn't actually need to ask for support, they'd just send the cockerel house a letter anonymously.

MrBennsshop · 21/06/2020 10:59

Sending an anonymous letter is so cowardly. And I can't understand the mindset of someone who would try to organise a whole raft of them being sent Confused. Yes it's an issue, but keep pushing the council to resolve it.

Rubyupbeat · 21/06/2020 10:59

No, this amounts to mass bullying. Whatever these people are like, no one deserves loads of anonymous letters, really cowardly.

Jaxhog · 21/06/2020 11:02

I wouldn't. It will make absolutely no difference. Better to make the council keep the pressure on them.

Original poster
Nooz · 21/06/2020 11:03

Good question @Dahlietta

To confirm there is a stamped addressed envelope in the letter, all my neighbours have mentioned it and have had one the same, asking us to write anonymously and individually to the owners in the hope they listen to their neighbours as they've 'blatantly ignored' the council.

Thank you for the thoughts so far, I appreciate your energy in this x

OP posts:
CrashingCymbals · 21/06/2020 11:04

If you aren't already aware, please consider that iif she has to get rid of the cockerels, chances are they will have to be killed.

To be honest if I was being woken up at 5am every morning I'm not sure the cockerel's welfare would be high on my list of priorities. It's sad but they are a nuisance.

I would continue to pursue things through the council rather than an anonymous letter, particularly if the owners are unpleasant

ArriettyJones · 21/06/2020 11:06

They don’t really sound the types to think “Oh gosh, twenty anonymous neighbours are irritated by us. We must stop at once.”

So surely that makes the decision easy?

ArriettyJones · 21/06/2020 11:07

Pressure the council to follow through with court action.

Dahlietta · 21/06/2020 11:08

To confirm there is a stamped addressed envelope in the letter,

Ah, does sound like he does want each of you to write anonymously then. I wouldn't do that, no. I would consider a collective letter signed by lots of people.

StrongTea · 21/06/2020 11:09

There are places which rehome cockerels. I would keep out of the anonymous letter sending. Councils don’t always seem to act quickly but have probably got a set procedure to go through.

Original poster
Nooz · 21/06/2020 11:10

Thank you for your replies I totally appreciate the advise to go to the council.

The lady at Environmental Health said to me that the council have said they have reached the limit of their powers.

That's why this isn't so clear to me what to do x

OP posts:
EL8888 · 21/06/2020 11:11

I would bother with being anonymous, these people are selfish and ridiculous. I would continue to pressure the council. An old boss of mine had issues with her neighbours cockerel. This was in the suburbs of south London Shock

EL8888 · 21/06/2020 11:12

Would = would not

MissBaskinIfYoureNasty · 21/06/2020 11:12

Confused why should OP just put up with them because they might get killed. They're a pain in the arse.

Reedwarbler · 21/06/2020 11:13

Do you have problems with rats op? They go hand in hand with chickens. I am surprised your local council has allowed this amount of chicken keeping in a private garden (unless you've all got enormous gardens of course).
No, I wouldn't send an anonymous letter, I would send a signed letter, but would it actually get you anywhere? I think continuing to complain via the council would be more fruitful.

LovingLola · 21/06/2020 11:13

Is there an animal welfare issue also? Could that be something that you could follow up?

canigooutyet · 21/06/2020 11:13

The community could get together and get a solicitor to get this sorted.

Viviennemary · 21/06/2020 11:15

I don't think anybody should be sending anonymous letters. They could be considered harassment and reported to the police. Every one who objects to the noise should write to the council. Or you could all hold an informal meeting to discuss the best way forward. Difficult with lock down.

Original poster
Nooz · 21/06/2020 11:17

I've tried the RSPCA but it's not an issue as they have food and water!

Yes pretty sure there are rats under my shed, the cat on the wood pile looking down a god clue! they feed the birds direct onto the earth. I was unable to report to council due to Covid but good point will try again.

I might use the letter as a reason to speak to her when she's walking by within her dog Confused

OP posts:
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