7/21/2007

Bethany beekeeping ban questioned by state officials

BETHANY, Okla. (AP) -- State officials are buzzing about a ban on
beekeeping in Bethany.

The Bethany City Council voted Tuesday to ban beekeeping in the city
after hearing complaints about aggressive swarms. But state officials
say the local rule violates a state law.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and the Oklahoma
State Beekeepers Association say that under the 2005 Apiary Act,
Oklahoma cities and towns can regulate or zone beekeeping, but not ban
it.

"We need bees," said Jack Carson, spokesman for the Agriculture
Department. "This law was passed ... to prevent cities from trying to
do this."

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