Back yard chickens
The Issue
PETITION TO ALLOW BACKYARD CHICKENS IN TOWNSEND, ONTARIO
The Mayor and Council of Haldimand County
Date: August 29, 2026
PETITION REASON
We, the undersigned residents of Townsend, request that Haldimand County amend its current zoning and animal control bylaws to designate Townsend as an Urban Agricultural zone, specifically allowing residents to keep backyard chickens.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Food Security: Raising hens provides families with a sustainable, local source of fresh, affordable food. Sustainability: Chickens reduce household organic waste by consuming food scraps and provide natural fertilizer for gardens. Pest Control: Hens naturally manage local pest populations by eating ticks, fleas, and destructive insects.
Precedent: Many neighboring Ontario municipalities successfully manage backyard hens through clear regulations on flock size, coop setbacks, and the prohibition of roosters.
PETITION REQUEST We urge Haldimand County Council to implement a regulatory framework that allows Townsend residents to keep a limited number of egg-laying hens. This framework should ensure public health, property maintenance, and animal welfare while fostering community resilience and sustainable living.
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The Issue
PETITION TO ALLOW BACKYARD CHICKENS IN TOWNSEND, ONTARIO
The Mayor and Council of Haldimand County
Date: August 29, 2026
PETITION REASON
We, the undersigned residents of Townsend, request that Haldimand County amend its current zoning and animal control bylaws to designate Townsend as an Urban Agricultural zone, specifically allowing residents to keep backyard chickens.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Food Security: Raising hens provides families with a sustainable, local source of fresh, affordable food. Sustainability: Chickens reduce household organic waste by consuming food scraps and provide natural fertilizer for gardens. Pest Control: Hens naturally manage local pest populations by eating ticks, fleas, and destructive insects.
Precedent: Many neighboring Ontario municipalities successfully manage backyard hens through clear regulations on flock size, coop setbacks, and the prohibition of roosters.
PETITION REQUEST We urge Haldimand County Council to implement a regulatory framework that allows Townsend residents to keep a limited number of egg-laying hens. This framework should ensure public health, property maintenance, and animal welfare while fostering community resilience and sustainable living.
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Petition created on August 29, 2026