As a parent and resident of St. Cloud, I believe allowing a small number of backyard hens would provide meaningful benefits to families and our community.

In 2024, the City of St. Cloud funded research and developed a proposed ordinance outlining how backyard hens could be allowed under carefully regulated conditions. In 2026, a council member asked that the issue be revisited and sent to the Planning Commission for further study, but the motion was voted down in a 3–2 vote while two council members were absent. I believe this issue deserves a fair and thorough evaluation by the full City Council.

Backyard hens support mental health, strengthen family bonds, connect children with nature, and teach responsibility, biology, and environmental stewardship. They also provide fresh eggs as grocery prices continue to rise, helping families become more self-sufficient.

Chickens naturally eat ticks and other insects that can spread disease to people and pets. They also reduce food waste by consuming kitchen scraps and produce manure that can be composted to enrich home gardens.

Many Minnesota cities, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, and Duluth, already allow backyard hens successfully. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health and University of Minnesota Extension provide guidance to address common concerns such as bird flu, predators, sanitation, and noise.

I am simply asking St. Cloud to reconsider a carefully regulated ordinance that allows a limited number of hens while protecting neighborhood quality of life.

Please sign this petition to support a healthier, more sustainable, and family-friendly St. Cloud while giving families the opportunity to responsibly raise a small number of backyard hens.