I have lived on my homestead all my life, and it has been my sanctuary. Recently, I was reported to the city for having roosters, turkeys, and hens on my property. This complaint came from someone who lives 5.4 miles away, following a personal disagreement. None of my immediate neighbors had any issues with my livestock, as I took measures to ensure roosters remain quiet at night, keeping peace and harmony with those around me. The area where I live was previously zoned for agriculture, and I have been maintaining this tradition for years.

Having roosters is crucial for flock protection. They are the guardians of my hens and provide necessary protection against predators, ensuring the safety of our animals. My hens are not just pets; they also contribute to my sustenance by providing a reliable source of fresh eggs. Families with 8-10 hens can yield enough eggs to meet daily needs, and when hens go through their yearly molt, having a larger number ensures continuous egg production.

Moreover, housing a single rooster in a well-ventilated shed during nighttime, using a 'Black-Box', ensures it remains quiet. This proposal isn’t just beneficial for my household but for many others in our community. It provides a sustainable and ethical way to maintain food security and ensure that families can be self-sufficient.

The use of a 10-foot PVC pipe with nets can help contain the flock within a designated area, maintaining the orderly appearance of residential properties. This simple containment method can be easily implemented and ensures that neighboring areas remain unaffected by the presence of poultry.

Our community was inherently agricultural before it was re-zoned. It's essential to respect and maintain this heritage by allowing residents with sufficiently large backyards to keep a limited number of poultry. The restrictive zoning changes have not only hindered traditional practices but have also undermined our ability to be self-reliant and sustainable.

I urge the city council and local authorities to reconsider the arbitrary restrictions imposed on maintaining poultry in residential areas. Allow families like mine, with large backyards, to keep 8-10 hens and at least one rooster per backyard and maybe more for larger backyards. Let's work together to support eco-friendly practices, uphold our agricultural traditions, and foster self-sufficiency in our neighborhood.

Please sign this petition to bring a change that respects our community's heritage and supports sustainable living.