A councilman from Ann Arbor raised a proposal at a recent lawmakers' retreat, arguing that the local government should allow its residents to keep live chickens in their homes.

Stephen Kunselman noted that citizens must be allowed to house live poultry, as it will provide fresh eggs, which are of far better quality than store-bought ones.

He added that the idea has the backing of businessmen and local residents, and that he plans to forward the resolution before the city council.

"Chickens lay eggs," the Associated Press quoted Kunselman. "I want fresh eggs. It's just a simple ordinance change."

The Detroit News added that Kunselman then admitted to unlawfully keeping a Rhode Island Red chicken named Bercilla in his home until two years ago, before he ran for councilman.

He then sent Bercilla to a friend's house in a farm in Dexter.

"My chicken is in political exile," Kunselman noted.

The statement reportedly started a light-hearted, amusing exchange between retreat participants.

"The city attorney just kind of rolled his eyes," said John Hieftje, the mayor of Ann Arbor. "It was a bit of a levity in a long day. We had a good laugh about it and moved on."

Stephen Rapundalo commented on the ordinance, saying "I want to have fresh milk...let's change the ordinance to allow cows or goats."

The potential hygiene concerns, as well as potential noise, that would rise should the proposal be passed, were considered.

"It's a complicated issue, and it creates a whole new possible potential nuisance," Mayor Hieftje noted. "We'd have to take a look at what other cities do."

"You can live in New York City and have chickens," Kunselman responded. "It's not a matter of how urban you are. It's a matter of political will."