A legal showdown is set for Monday at the Chattooga County courthouse involving a local chicken farmer, neighboring landowners, and the county government. The case concerns Rocking S. Farms LLC, which has sought an injunction against the county’s attempt to stop the construction of four chicken houses in Gore.

The conflict is about the permit that Dustin Smith, the farmer, obtained last year. Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen emphasized the need to follow existing laws, asserting they are the current rules for the county. Former Chattooga County Commissioner Blake Elsberry supported Smith, claiming he adhered to the county’s poultry ordinance. However, neighboring landowners have raised issues about the permit process and want Allen to intervene.

If the injunction fails, Smith may take legal action against the county to recover his investments.

Legal counsel now represents the landowners, who insist the county improperly allowed the farmer to build.  Additionally, concerns have emerged regarding the chicken houses’ locations in relation to a trout stream and residential properties, as well as a nearby gas line.  Summerville City Manager Jason Winters told WZQZ News that the city has expressed its concerns to Commissioner Allen in writing about the gas line that runs across the property.

The case is set for this coming Monday at 10 AM in Chattooga County Superior Court.