To the Springfield Planning Board and City Council,

We, the undersigned residents and supporters of Springfield, MA, respectfully request an amendment to local zoning laws to allow residents to keep a reasonable number of backyard hens. Many cities across Massachusetts and the U.S. have successfully implemented similar policies, benefiting their communities in numerous ways.

Why This Matters:

Improved Food Security – Access to fresh, nutritious eggs reduces dependence on commercial supply chains and enhances local food resilience, especially in times of economic uncertainty.

Sustainability & Waste Reduction – Backyard hens help reduce food waste by consuming table scraps and provide natural fertilizer for gardens, promoting environmentally friendly practices.

Educational & Community Benefits – Raising hens offers families, schools, and community gardens hands-on education about food production and responsible animal care.

Minimal Impact & Proven Success – Studies and experiences from other communities show that well-managed backyard flocks produce minimal noise, odor, and disruption when reasonable regulations are in place.

Addressing Concerns:

Noise: Hens are significantly quieter than dogs, and rooster bans can ensure noise control.

Odor: Proper coop maintenance eliminates odor issues, just like with household pets.

Health & Safety: Backyard hens pose no greater health risks than other pets when kept under simple sanitation guidelines, as supported by veterinary experts.

We believe that reasonable, well-regulated backyard hen policies can benefit the Springfield community without causing disruption. We urge city officials to review successful models from other municipalities and work with residents to draft fair regulations that support local sustainability and food security.

Please sign and share this petition to show your support for backyard hens in Springfield, MA!