🐔 Allow Backyard Chickens in Machesney Park, IL
To: Machesney Park Village Board & Local Officials

We, the undersigned residents of Machesney Park and its surrounding communities, respectfully request that the Village update its ordinances to allow the responsible keeping of backyard chickens and fowl.

Why This Matters
Backyard chickens offer a wide range of benefits to families and the community as a whole:

🥚 Food Security – Chickens provide fresh, nutritious eggs at a time when grocery prices continue to rise.

🌎 Environmental Responsibility – Chickens reduce food waste by eating household scraps and contribute to soil health through compostable manure.

🧒 Education & Family Life – Caring for chickens teaches children responsibility, biology, and compassion for animals.

🐣 Animal Welfare – Many people are concerned about the treatment of hens in large-scale egg production. Raising backyard chickens gives families the opportunity to opt out of inhumane systems and choose more ethical food sources.

🧼 Low Impact with Proper Regulation – With common-sense rules in place (e.g., no roosters, limited flock size, enclosed coops, and setback requirements), backyard chickens can be kept cleanly, quietly, and without disturbing neighbors.

What We’re Asking For
We ask the Village of Machesney Park to adopt a clear, fair ordinance that allows residents to:

Keep a small number of hens (no roosters)
Maintain safe, clean, enclosed coops
Follow setback and property maintenance requirements
Enjoy the benefits of sustainable, humane, and responsible chicken-keeping
This is not a radical idea—cities and villages across Illinois (including South Beloit, Roscoe, Rockton, and Loves Park) allow backyard chickens under reasonable guidelines. Machesney Park should be a community that supports responsible citizens and sustainable living.

Let’s move forward—together.
By signing this petition, you’re saying “yes” to food freedom, animal welfare, waste reduction, and personal responsibility. Let’s make Machesney Park a place where families can thrive, learn, and live more sustainably.

Sign and share if you support the right to keep backyard chickens in Machesney Park!