Dear Town of Salina Neighbors,
I’m reaching out to discuss an exciting opportunity that could significantly enhance our community and enrich our backyards: the possibility of changing our local ordinance to allow backyard chickens in Salina.

As a homeowner in Salina who values the educational, nutritional, and therapeutic benefits of backyard chickens, I am penning this petition to rally for a change in our town's backyard chicken ordinance. Backyard chickens are more than delightful animals; they are a source of organic eggs, natural insect control, a rich source of compost for vegetable gardens, and an enriching educational asset for children to learn responsibility and compassion for animals.

Currently, our local code defines “domestic animals” to include common household pets such as dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, and birds typically kept indoors. However, this definition excludes all farm animals, including poultry. This limitation not only restricts our ability to enjoy the many benefits of raising chickens but also hinders our community's potential for sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Imagine the joy of having fresh, organic eggs right from your own backyard. Picture children learning about responsibility and nature as they care for their chickens. Chickens can also contribute to our gardens by providing natural pest control and enriching the soil with their droppings. They are friendly, quiet animals that can foster a sense of community and connection among neighbors.

Yet, our current town ordinance severely limits our ability to raise these useful and pleasant creatures. Other cities and towns across the country have recognized the values that backyard chickens bring to their communities. For instance, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago all allow for the raising of backyard chickens with certain regulations (The Spruce, 2021).

By coming together as a community, we have a unique opportunity to advocate for a change in this ordinance. If we unite to express our support for backyard chickens, we can present a compelling case to our local officials, highlighting the positive impact this change could have on our neighborhood’s quality of life.

Proposed Ordinance Change to Allow Backyard Chickens in Salina

Title: Amendment to the Definition of Domestic Animals to Include Backyard Chickens

Purpose:  
To amend the existing ordinance regarding domestic animals to allow residents of Salina to keep a limited number of backyard chickens for personal use, thereby promoting sustainability, food security, and community engagement.

Proposed Changes:

1. Amend the Definition of Domestic Animals:
   - Current Code:  
   “Domestic animals include dogs and cats, as well as other common household pets, such as fish, hamsters, gerbils, and birds, which are commonly maintained indoors. This term shall exclude all farm animals including, but not limited to, horses, mules, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, livestock, geese, fowl, and poultry, and other similar animals and wild or dangerous animals whether maintained as pets or otherwise.”

   - Proposed Code:  
   “Domestic animals include dogs and cats, as well as other common household pets, such as fish, hamsters, gerbils, and birds, which are commonly maintained indoors. This term shall include a limited number of chickens (hens only) for personal use, provided that the following conditions are met:
     - A maximum of 6 hens per household.
     - Roosters are prohibited.
     - Chickens must be housed in a well-maintained coop that meets specified construction and sanitation guidelines.
     - All chickens must be registered with the Town of Salina Animal Control.
     - Owners must adhere to biosecurity and health guidelines to maintain the health of the flock and the surrounding environment.
     - Coops must be located a minimum distance of 10 feet from any property line to minimize disturbances to neighbors.”

2. Establish Guidelines for Keeping Chickens:
   - Registration: All chicken owners must register their chickens with the local government to ensure compliance with ordinances.
   - Coop Construction: Specific guidelines will be established regarding the size, construction materials, and sanitation requirements of chicken coops.
   - Biosecurity Measures: Owners must follow biosecurity practices to prevent the spread of diseases, including regular health checks and cleanliness protocols.

 Pros and Cons of Backyard Chickens

Pros:
1. Fresh Food Source: Backyard chickens provide a sustainable source of fresh eggs, promoting food security in our community.
2. Environmental Benefits: Chickens contribute to natural pest control and can help enrich garden soil through their manure, promoting environmental sustainability.
3. Educational Opportunities: Keeping chickens offers valuable educational experiences for families, particularly for children, teaching them about responsibility, agriculture, and sustainability.
4. Community Engagement: Allowing backyard chickens fosters a sense of community as residents share resources, knowledge, and experiences related to chicken-keeping.
5. Companionship: Chickens can be enjoyable pets that provide companionship and entertainment.

Cons:
1. Noise: While chickens are generally quieter than roosters, they can still be noisy, especially when laying eggs or if they feel threatened.
2. Space Requirements: Chickens require adequate space for housing and roaming, which may not be feasible for all households.
3. Maintenance: Keeping chickens requires time and effort for feeding, cleaning, and health monitoring.
4. Potential for Pests: Improperly maintained coops can attract pests such as rodents or insects.
5. Health Risks: There are risks associated with keeping animals, including the potential spread of diseases if biosecurity measures are not followed.

### Petition to Support the Proposed Ordinance Change

We, the undersigned residents of Salina, hereby petition the Town Council to amend the current ordinance regarding domestic animals to allow the keeping of backyard chickens under the proposed guidelines outlined above. This would allow the homeowners of Salina to appreciate the manifold benefits of raising backyard chickens while still adhering to a set of regulations to ensure public safety.

Sign the petition here: Petition Link (https://chng.it/Jd4q298XDk

Let’s seize this opportunity to enhance our community and bring the benefits of backyard chickens to Salina. I truly believe that by working together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for all of us. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and hope to embark on this journey with you!

Town of Salina  
201 School Road  
Liverpool, NY 13088  
Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM  
(315) 457-6661