A Bayard woman charged with violating a Bayard city ordinance for keeping chickens at her home has been found guilty and fined $100. The ruling was made Wednesday by Morrill County Court Judge James Worden after 42 year old Marsha Mason fought the citation given to her April 22nd by Bayard Police.

Mason argued that she needed the six hens as a source of food and as comfort for anxiety issues. The city, represented by Morrill County Attorney Jean Rhodes, maintained Mason was breaking an ordinance that bans livestock, including chickens, in the city limits.

Mason was also ordered to pay $44 in court costs.