Growing up on a hobby farm, I cherished the joy and self-sufficiency that came with raising chickens. However, not everyone has the means to own a hobby farm, and I believe that towns of North Perth, should have the right to keep hens in their backyards for personal use, such as collecting eggs. 

Currently, town regulations prevent us from keeping backyard chickens, which seems unfair when considering the allowance of loud, noisy dogs that create disturbances and leave waste in public spaces. Chickens, on the other hand, are relatively quiet and can be a delightful addition to a home, offering fresh eggs and teaching responsibility, sustainability, and animal care.

Backyard chickens do not pose a nuisance to communities when properly managed. In fact, many cities across Canada, such as Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary, have successfully enacted ordinances permitting residents to keep chickens, demonstrating that it can be done safely and effectively. These cities have set guidelines to ensure that hen-keeping is hygienic, non-disruptive, and supports community wellbeing.

The benefits of allowing backyard hens in our community are multi-fold. Chickens can contribute to reducing food waste by eating kitchen scraps, thus supporting environmental and waste reduction initiatives. They also serve as a great educational tool for children and adults alike, fostering skills in sustainability and self-reliance. Furthermore, having access to self-produced eggs can significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with the transportation of store-bought eggs, aligning with North Perth’s environmental goals.

We are calling upon the North Perth town council to review and amend current bylaws to permit the keeping of a small number of hens for personal use in residential areas. We ask that guidelines be established to ensure that hen-keeping is done responsibly and respectfully, addressing concerns such as noise and hygiene.

Sign this petition to support the initiative to allow backyard chickens in North Perth, and promote a healthier, more sustainable, and empowered community.