KEY POINTS:
The North Shore Council has had chickens shot in Albany after complaints were received about noise and pollution on Auckland's North Shore.
The council this morning shot eight birds, with police present to ensure there was no breach of the peace.
Warwick Robertson, team leader for environmental protection, said there was a proposal in front of council for long term management of the chickens, which were continuing to breed in significant numbers.
The move has saddened some Albany locals who see the birds as an icon of the once rural village.
Albany local Rod Klaassen said the park was not closed off and not all locals were notified.
"There's people driving around and walking to work and in the background you can see people with guns," Mr Klaassen said
He said the chooks had been in the area for 50 to 60 years and in the past the council and locals have had an understanding.
"Our birds down here are healthy, we feed them every day and when they get sick we take them to the vet," Mr Klaassen said.
He said community and council politics behind the shooting.
Mr Robertson said over 1000 birds have been re-homed in the past three years.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
