A family who have been told to rehome their cockerel in a week’s time have appealed against the council’s order.

The Allen family, who live in Craven Road, Brighton, were told their permission from Brighton and Hove City Council to keep their pet cockerel, Trousers, had been revoked on July 5 after complaints from their neighbour.

It had been granted less than two months prior, on May 11.

Now, mum-of-three Adele Allen is appealing against the decision, saying rehoming the cockerel would be “cruel” and would cause a great deal of upset to her eight-year-old daughter Ostara.

The Argus: From left Ostara, Adele and Kai Allen with their cockerel TrousersFrom left Ostara, Adele and Kai Allen with their cockerel Trousers (Image: Matt Allen)

In a letter responding to the council’s decision, seen by The Argus, 39-year-old Ms Allen wrote: “As far as I'm aware we have met all conditions and there have been no new complaints nor new circumstances which you weren't already aware of.

“Furthermore, after researching environmental health policy I also believe that our cockerel noise during the daytime does not constitute a statutory noise nuisance.”

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She also asked the council to explain why Whitehawk Hill community food project and Moulsecoomb Primary School, both in residential areas, are able to keep cockerels when her family is not.

Ms Allen said Ostara brings Trousers, who has been living with his flock and family for three years, into the kitchen to sleep every night and then takes the cockerel out again at 8am each day to “avoid anti-social hours”.

The Argus: Ms Allen says her daughter Ostara has 'bonded' with Trousers over the three years they have had himMs Allen says her daughter Ostara has 'bonded' with Trousers over the three years they have had him (Image: Matt Allen)

But their neighbour, 48-year-old William Ranieri complained to the council, citing “constant noise” which was causing “irrational responses” including “shaking, stomach cramps and anger”.

Both parties have started petitions, with the Allens, urging the council to let them keep Trousers, garnering more than 175 signatures at the time of writing.

Meanwhile, Mr Ranieri’s petition to ban the cockerel or implement compulsory measures, has 30 signatures.

The letter asking the Allens to rehome their cockerel reads: “Unfortunately, due to noise complaints received, we can no longer allow this and withdraw the permission to keep a cockerel.

“Therefore, the cockerel must be rehomed within two weeks from the date of this letter.

“We apologise for any upset or inconvenience this may cause.”

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: “We can withdraw permission for a council tenant to keep a pet when appropriate.

“We cannot comment on individual cases.”