Despite 564 signatures (67% Millville residents), demonstrating clear community support for a responsible, scaled backyard chicken system, the mayor has dismissed our petition outright. This is not about lawlessness — it is about practical, enforceable policies that allow self-sufficiency while protecting neighborhoods.

Neighboring South Jersey towns — Lumberton, Woodbury, Westville, Westampton, and Swedesboro — already manage chickens responsibly, with scaled limits, permits, and rules. Millville residents can and should have the same opportunity for responsible backyard poultry without arbitrary barriers.

The mayor’s disregard for this community-backed initiative shows a lack of concern for residents’ voices and for practical solutions that strengthen our city. Backyard chickens are not a nuisance when rules are clear and enforceable — they are a tool for sustainability, community engagement, and keeping good residents in Millville.

If you are outraged by this dismissal and believe residents should have a say, contact the Mayor’s Office directly and make your voice heard:

Email: dan.dixon@millvillenj.gov 

Phone: 856-825-7000 (press 6)

We will continue to stand for a fair, resident-driven policy. Your action matters — every email, call, and signature strengthens our case. Millville deserves a city government that listens to its citizens, not ignores them.

— Angelica Hanstein