Chicken coop next door

[Batterseadog]

My neighbour has three large chicken coops 8' high immediately next door to my drive. We are in a rural area and I have no problems with the chickens.
A visiting policeman commented that it is illegal to keep livestock, directly adjoining my property. Does anyone know the facts on this or where I could look up such information please.
Another completely disconnected problem has arisen with my neighbour and I should like to be able to quote this illegality if necessary. Many thanks

[Kleiber]

Sorry, but if it's illegal to keep livestock adjoining someone else's property, how do farmers get on? I keep sheep and poultry on my farm and my neighbours' land directly abutts mine, where they graze their stock. I think you should check that your "visiting policeman" has his/her facts right! As far as I know, there's nothing in the statute books, but there may be a local byelaw, so check with your local council first.

[Batterseadog]

Thanks Kleiber
I never thought to ask the policeman what he meant, it really was of no consequence at the time. We have farms around us and would certainly not be considered an urban or suburban area.
My neighbours came barging round today telling me how unhappy they are because I have changed my fence which has left a 1 foot gap at the top of their chicken coop (he has chicken wire up). I made a mistake in my measurements and said I would be adding trellis to make the height up and they are not happy about it. I am fully aware that I am not responsible for securing his chickens against weather or predators, shame they don't appear to realise that and possibly just annoyed at changes being made. I don't really need to look at his eyesore structure either but the fence has been replaced and I cannot change it.
I just found it very intimidating and un-neighbourly so I wanted a rebuttal for possible future use.

[buildersmate]

There is no general Act (law) that prevents the keeping of chickens in certain circumstances.
In some (mainly urban) areas there may be a specific convenant in the land title that prevents the keeping of them - but this is unlikely to so in your case.
It is his job to keep his chickens secure inside his boundary and protected from foxes - not yours.

[Mamjet]

instead of getting a 'rebuttal for future use' and trying to rely on something 'a policeman might have said to you once a while ago' why didn't you tell your neighbours his chicken coop isn't your responsibility?
grow some.

[Batterseadog]

Absolutely right Mamjet, easier said than done when you are a timid type and caught off guard by a pair of very annoyed and somewhat aggressive neighbours.
I have been rehearsing what I was going to say without becoming angry, (tears usually) but the guy is out there now hammering and boarding up his coop from his side so I guess its problem solved, other than a little bad feeling. Funny how I've never complained about the vermin they attract and even crowing day and night but I guess we are all different and I like to think I am the better neighbour. Thanks.

[Kleiber]

Batterseadog, did you say, "crowing"? As in "cockerel"? You could always have a quiet word with your neighbour about noise abatement....sort of "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" i.e. stop being rude & nasty to me, or I'll make you get rid of the cockerel!!
I've got 6 cockerels and I know what a racket they can make, especially at 10 to 5 in the morning!

[BRAVO1]

Watch out for that Bird Flu...if you see any of them Sneezing then call the department of health ASAP.

Sorry...on a serious note,living in the country does have it's advantages.

You could live in the city next to a brothel or a crack house.

Can you check somehow to see if there are any covenants or restrictions on the deeds ?

I checked mine and it did say " No livestock" etc.

Thanks !