I'm Lori. Apparently my biggest downfall is my love for animals - not just dogs and cats, but also ducks, geese, pigs, chickens, and other so-called "farm animals". Even though city code is on my side in allowing me to keep ducks and geese, I have been facing constant pressure from Memphis City and Shelby County Code Enforcement, due to disapproving neighbors who assert it isn't appropriate to raise "livestock" in Orange Mound. But these animals are not mere livestock; they are my pets, my garden companions. Despite working a full-time job that isn't animal related, I manage to spend time with them every day.

These adorable creatures are harmless, entertaining, and have become beloved by many (less intolerant) neighbors. This endless harassment erodes the joy these animals bring and infringes upon our right to enjoy our pets in the privacy of our homes and gardens.

Keeping small farm animals in urban areas isn't uncommon. In fact, many cities around the world allow it. From London to New York, people enjoy the companionship of these animals, not to mention the fresh eggs from chickens and ducks, rich compost created by all, and natural pest control offered by these lovely creatures. This practice educates on sustainable living and fosters a new kind of urban culture.

In doing so, I show people a different way to be city girls and boys, as I have never lived in the country at all and have been a city-dweller my whole life. Keeping these pets in city limits is not only enjoyable for me, but is sustainable and beneficial to the neighborhood.

Neighbors have dropped off grass clippings after cutting their yards to feed to the geese, and I, myself have picked up over a hundred bags of leaves to build up the garden and provide a free source of food to my pets, therefore eliminating more trash that would do nothing but fill up the city dumps. I and my feathery garden friends have turned what would otherwise be trash, into an olive grove and duck pond.

When I dig holes to plant new trees, Chai, a khaki campbell duck, is the first one to run to my side to assist with breaking up that stubborn Tennessee clay and turn it into a happy home for tree roots. 

Oatis, my African goose, guards the flock from hawks and strangers. He enjoys morning hugs, being nuzzled, nibbling on my locs, and stealing jewelry. He knows his name, eats peas and pizza crusts right out of my hand, and yells at me through the window while I'm working on the computer. 

A little girl walks by everyday and always stops to watch the ducks play in the pond. A neighbor stops by when her family doesn't finish their loaf of bread before it gets stale to feed the geese. 

These are pets that help unify a neighborhood and by raising them in my garden, I show other people a sustainable lifestyle based on permaculture gardening principles and living in tune with nature. 

Together, we grow persimmons, raspberries, figs, olives, peonies, and roses, and so much more. All they have to do is be ducks and geese. We have put down roots here together, and I want to keep us together.

 
Therefore, I urge the citizens and the local government to recognize our rights to keep "farm animals" as pets within city limits. Let's support a more inclusive animal code that recognizes the value that all animals, regardless of species, bring to our lives. Please sign this petition to help us bring about this change.

Here we are doing our day to day, ducking, goosing, and growing apples together.