Council row erupts over decision to ban cockerels at local allotment as petition racks up hundreds of signatures

Fintan Starkey
Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:53:05 +0000

A teenage boy from Bishop Auckland has launched a campaign against Durham County Council's decision to prohibit cockerels on allotment sites.

Tom, aged 14, created an online petition opposing the ban, which has now secured more than 600 signatures from supporters.

The youngster has also written directly to the local authority urging them to reverse the policy.

Existing regulations already forbid keeping the birds on council allotments due to noise concerns, but recent changes approved by cabinet members will eliminate any remaining exemptions that had previously allowed some tenants to keep them.

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The teenager describes his cockerels as vital to his mental wellbeing.

His favourite bird is a three-year-old cockerel named Brian, one of more than 10 the family keeps at their allotment.

Tom explained that the birds have been part of his life since birth, with his 41-year-old father, also named Tom, having kept cockerels since childhood himself.

"I've had cockerels since I was born and my dad had them before I was born as well, and there was no problem with them," the teenager said.

He emphasised that the animals were "not just animals" but an integral part of his daily life.

The family fears their birds could face euthanasia if they cannot find alternative homes for them before the ban takes full effect.

"I would be very sad and angry if I had to get rid of them," Tom said.

His father expressed similar frustration at the council's decision, describing the cockerels as "a massive part of our family" and saying he felt both angry and disappointed.

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The elder Tom recalled keeping cockerels during his own childhood without any complaints from neighbours, calling the new restrictions "a shock."

He said his son was "determined to fight his corner" on behalf of those unable to speak out themselves.

The Reform UK-led council gave its approval to the total ban in March, with a transition period of one year for affected tenants.

The policy change formed part of a broader package of amendments to allotment rules and tenancy agreements, which cabinet members said would create a "fairer and more flexible approach."

Ian Hoult, the council's neighbourhood protection manager, confirmed the authority had received Tom's petition to GB News.

"We can confirm we have received this petition and that it will be considered and responded to in line with our normal process," he said.

Demand for allotments remains extremely high across the area, with approximately 2,300 people currently on waiting lists.