The movement to legalize chickens in Bremerton city limits died Wednesday, at least at the City Council level.

The Public Safety, Parks and Planning Committee voted 2-1 against a draft ordinance that would allow up to four hens per property. Councilmen Jim McDonald and Cecil McConnell voted against the measure, Roy Runyon voted for it.

Despite the Council’s defeat of the measure, eight residents spoke in support of legalizing chickens at Wednesday’s City Council meeting, many of whom pledged to maintain pressure to allow city chickens.

“We’re not willing to let this decision be shoved aside and die,” said Jean Schanen, manager of FreshLocal on Fourth Street.

The movement is now up to the residents to take up a citizen initiative, Runyon said.