Supporters of an effort to legalize chickens in Cary backyards had another set back as town council members voted against using town resources to study the issue.

It's the second time in about a year town council members have voted against studying chickens in Cary.

The last time Alissa Manfre asked the Cary Town Council to legalize chickens in Cary, she was alone.

This time, she brought back-up.

"We've collected over 350 signituares in support of allowing backyard hens in Cary," she said.

There were also roughly two dozen supporters in the crowd at the town council meeting Thursday night.

Manfre organizes the Web site Carychickens.com, a grassroots effort to get chickens legalized in Cary.

She says a lot has changed since July 2008, the last time she asked the Cary Town Council to review the issue.

"Since last year Wake Forest, Durham, Chapel Hill and Sanford have all changed their rules to allow backyard hens," Manfre said.

However, for council members the only difference this year was the economy.

The study carried an estimated cost of $25,000 and some council members said reviewing the issue would be a waste of money

"Originally i was supportive of allowing you guys to form your issue advisory group," councilman Don Frantz said. "Until i got an estimate on cost."

In addition, the same council members voted on the same issue a little over a year ago.

"This is an issue that i reviewed carefully, heard, debated, discussed and decided a year ago," councilman Erv Portman said.

Just like last year, Manfre left disappointed but she says she's not defeated.