Feral Chickens Disrupt Makiki Dog Park

Resident complains about chickens roaming in the off-leash dog area.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 10:05am

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A Makiki resident visited the new official dog park in their neighborhood, only to find over a dozen feral chickens and chicks roaming within the fenced-in area. The resident, who owns a Jack Russell terrier, was unsure whether to let their dog play with the chickens present, fearing the chickens could be injured or killed.

Why it matters

The introduction of feral chickens into a designated dog park raises concerns about the safety and intended use of the public space. Dog owners may be hesitant to let their pets play freely if there is a risk of harming the chickens, defeating the purpose of the dog park.

The details

When the resident visited the new Makiki dog park, they found a large number of feral chickens and chicks roaming freely within the fenced-in off-leash area. As a Jack Russell terrier owner, the resident was unsure whether to let their dog play, fearing the chickens could be injured or killed by the hunting breed.

  • The new Makiki dog park recently opened.

The players

Francis Duran

A Makiki resident who owns a Jack Russell terrier.

Jack Russell

A breed of terrier known for its hunting instincts.

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What they’re saying

“Jack Russells are bred for hunting. Do I let my dog go with the possibility that the chickens will be injured or killed, or not use the park as it was intended?”

— Francis Duran, Makiki Resident

What’s next

The resident plans to lodge a complaint about the presence of feral chickens in the Makiki dog park.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for better coordination and planning when designating public spaces for specific uses, to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all intended users.