AL-AHSA: In a rare case, noisy hens and roosters brought a jail term as well as lashes to their owner after a citizen lodged a complaint against the nuisance with the Al-Hofouf municipality.

The complainant had urged the municipality to intervene into the matter as the birds were a source of disturbance to him and his neighbors, in a locality otherwise known to be calm and serene, a website reported on Monday.

The municipality first tried to settle the issue amicably with the owner of the chicken, but in vain.

Advocate Mishal Al-Askar was quoted as saying that issues like these are governed by the Shariah and the royal orders. In such cases, the offender could face jail, lashes or fines.

Al-Askar said the rules of the municipality do not allow keeping animals inside the houses or in residential areas, and that a house is the place for comfort and rest.

The person had filed his complaint under the clause of causing discomfort and disturbance.