Amend Grand Rapids City Code to Allow for Rabbit Farming

The Issue

As a resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan, I'm passionate about urban agriculture!  I firmly believe that it's a vital part of a sustainable farming future, and I consider rabbits a key livestock species for urban farms.

Rabbits are one of the most adaptable livestock animals.  They are quiet, non-aggressive animals with a low ecological footprint and a wide variety of agricultural uses!  They've been proven to be an effective solution for sustainable urban agriculture across a variety of cities globally due to their high reproduction rate, low maintenance cost, and how little space they require.

Current municipal city code in Grand Rapids allows only two breeder rabbits in backyard farming operations for commercial profit.  This restriction makes it impossible to establish a viable family rabbit farm, which is considered between 3-15 breeding does (female rabbits) and 1-3 breeding bucks (male rabbits).  It's time our city code reflects our commitment towards sustainability by allowing residents to raise more than two rabbits in their backyards.

The signatures on this petition will be presented at the next meeting of the Urban Agriculture Committee, to bring the issue to their attention and demonstrate support for making a change to the city code.

Grand Rapids has demonstrated positive development of urban agricultural policy in the past, particularly with regards to bees and chickens.  For this reason, I'm hopeful and confident legal change that would allow for rabbit farming will follow! 

There is no need for financial contributions.  A signature indicating your support for this measure is the most valuable gift you could give!  ♥

By signing this petition, you're supporting local farmers' rights and contributing towards making our wonderful city more self-sufficient and sustainable.  Please lend your voice today!

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The Issue

As a resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan, I'm passionate about urban agriculture!  I firmly believe that it's a vital part of a sustainable farming future, and I consider rabbits a key livestock species for urban farms.

Rabbits are one of the most adaptable livestock animals.  They are quiet, non-aggressive animals with a low ecological footprint and a wide variety of agricultural uses!  They've been proven to be an effective solution for sustainable urban agriculture across a variety of cities globally due to their high reproduction rate, low maintenance cost, and how little space they require.

Current municipal city code in Grand Rapids allows only two breeder rabbits in backyard farming operations for commercial profit.  This restriction makes it impossible to establish a viable family rabbit farm, which is considered between 3-15 breeding does (female rabbits) and 1-3 breeding bucks (male rabbits).  It's time our city code reflects our commitment towards sustainability by allowing residents to raise more than two rabbits in their backyards.

The signatures on this petition will be presented at the next meeting of the Urban Agriculture Committee, to bring the issue to their attention and demonstrate support for making a change to the city code.

Grand Rapids has demonstrated positive development of urban agricultural policy in the past, particularly with regards to bees and chickens.  For this reason, I'm hopeful and confident legal change that would allow for rabbit farming will follow! 

There is no need for financial contributions.  A signature indicating your support for this measure is the most valuable gift you could give!  ♥

By signing this petition, you're supporting local farmers' rights and contributing towards making our wonderful city more self-sufficient and sustainable.  Please lend your voice today!

The Decision Makers

Elizabeth Visser
Elizabeth Visser
Grand Rapids Urban Agriculture Committee Member
Crystal Tunstall
Crystal Tunstall
Grand Rapids Urban Agriculture Committee Member
Kimberly Moore
Kimberly Moore
Grand Rapids Urban Agriculture Committee Member
Evvia Marshall
Evvia Marshall
Grand Rapids Urban Agriculture Committee Member
Muriel Lutes
Muriel Lutes
Grand Rapids Urban Agriculture Committee Member

Supporter Voices

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Petition created on February 7, 2024