My son and I have cherished having chickens in our backyard for years. This year, we embarked on a heartwarming journey to learn how to hatch them ourselves. It became a valuable bonding experience, as a father and son worked together, built a coop from scraps, and embraced the principles of recycling and sustainability. Our little hobby took a turn when, despite taking steps to comply with noise regulations by removing our roosters, we were forced to part ways with our beloved hens after receiving a notice from the city.

This letter from Vineland shattered my son's heart, as he had to give up pets he nurtured from day one. In doing so, we lost not just our chickens, but also an educational and meaningful family activity. Backyard chickens offer children and their families invaluable lessons about nature, responsibility, and self-sufficiency.

Many cities across the U.S. allow for the responsible urban keeping of chickens. Municipalities like Portland, Chicago, and Sacramento have updated zoning laws to accommodate the benefits that come with raising hens. We urge Vineland to follow suit and review its code regulations. This change would involve creating a permit system specifically for the keeping of hens in residential areas, allowing families like ours to continue benefiting from this rewarding experience without disrupting the community.

Consider the multiple advantages: fresh eggs, pest control, and a lower carbon footprint. With proper regulations, we can ensure that noise and waste concerns are addressed upfront. A permit system could impose limits on the number of hens, specify guidelines for coop construction and maintenance, and further stipulate noise control measures.

By supporting this initiative, you'll not only lift a burden from families who have responsibly kept chickens but will also bring about community awareness about sustainable practices. Please sign this petition and help us bring backyard chickens back to our lives, fostering a sense of community, responsibility, and environmental stewardship.