Decatur Resident Says Oakhurst Animals Okay

City officials met Tuesday morning with an Oakhurst resident after her neighbor claimed the owner's .

Assistant City Manager David Junger and codes enforcement officer Cynthia Hardnett visited Stacy Reno's Feld Avenue home. They inspected her property to determine if the three goats, 29 chickens, and turkey were being kept unlawfully.

"They stated that the space I have provided was [sic.] appeared to be adequate," Reno wrote in response to emailed questions. "They also stated that my animals appeared well cared for & the space & accommodations appeared to be sanitary."

Reno also wrote that the officials instructed her to bring the premises into compliance with city codes. According to Reno, she was told to paint her house and to clear debris from yard areas. She also needs to get a permit for her chicken coop and she may be required to move it if officials determine that it is too close to neighboring residences.

Reno's neighbor Tanya Floyd declined to comment on Tuesday's inspection. On Monday she wrote to Decatur's mayor and city commissioners requesting that the city reconsider its opinion that pygmy goats like Reno's are pets, not livestock.

Floyd, who is an environmental attorney, believes Reno's property is a public health and safety nuisance. In the letter to Decatur officials Floyd wrote the Reno property's conditions violate multiple state, county, and municipal codes.

"I am requesting that the setback and housing requirements of [Decatur Code] Section 14-8 be strictly enforced so that no future nuisances, health hazards, or safety issues exist," Floyd wrote.

When reached by phone earlier today, Hardnett said she could not comment on the case without prior approval. Junger was in a meeting and could not be reached for immediate comment.