I, like many others with seafood allergies, depend heavily on eggs as a crucial source of protein in my everyday diet. Not only it serves as an alternative protein source, it's a vital ingredient in simple staple foods like breads and mayonnaise. Unfortunately, my access to fresh eggs could be in jeopardy without the ability to keep chickens.

Keeping chickens allows me to be self-reliant, mitigating the risk of cross-contamination with seafood products in the marketplace, a concern shared by the 7 million U.S. adults and 0.1% of children worldwide that suffer from seafood allergies (FARE, 2020).

Preserving the ability to keep chickens not only encourages food independence, but ensures people with life-threatening food allergies can secure safe alternatives. We urge authorities to understand the importance of this issue and take immediate action in allowing the possession of chickens for individuals that require alternative dietary allowances due to allergies. We kindly request your signature to support this cause.

Pros of Keeping Chickens in Rural Areas

Natural Pest Control

Chickens eat ticks, flies, mosquitoes, and other insects—helping control pests naturally without chemicals.

Sustainable Food Source

Fresh eggs provide a local, sustainable food source, reducing reliance on factory farming and lowering grocery bills.

Organic Fertilizer

Chicken manure is a powerful natural fertilizer that improves soil health when composted properly—ideal for gardens and small farms.

Waste Reduction

Chickens eat food scraps, reducing household waste that might otherwise attract rodents in the trash.

Educational for Families and Kids

Raising chickens teaches responsibility, biology, and the importance of sustainable living—making it great for families.

Supports Local Food Networks

Many small communities benefit from neighbors exchanging eggs and produce, building local economies and relationships.

Quiet and Non-Invasive

Hens are relatively quiet (especially compared to dogs or roosters) and do not cause disruption in rural or suburban neighborhoods.

Public Health Statements Often Overstated

Numerous studies and health departments, including your own, have affirmed that well-maintained backyard flocks do not pose rodent risks when kept clean.