My three-year-old daughter and I have been raising chickens and ducks since she was a baby. Unfortunately, a few months after purchasing my first home as a single mother of four, I got a knock on my door. I’m now being told that I have to get rid of me and my children’s birds due to the city ordinance. These birds are our family, and they mean everything to us. Now, I either have to sell my home and move or get rid of my birds. My three-year-old has been crying for hours; so have I.

The current city ordinance in Lorain, OH prohibits residents from keeping chickens and ducks within the city, defining them solely based on misconceptions associated with noise and sanitation. However, many cities across the United States, such as Elyria, Cleveland and Columbus, allow residents to keep chickens and ducks under certain regulations, promoting a sustainable and responsible urban animal-keeping culture.

Chickens and ducks are not merely pets; they can serve as service animals offering emotional support and companionship, especially crucial for families and individuals dealing with emotional distress. They assist in reducing food insecurity by providing fresh eggs, a valuable source of nutrition. Addressing the ordinance to permit specific birds, like hens and ducks but excluding roosters and meat birds, would balance urban living with the rights of residents to sustain themselves and their families healthily.

Revising this ordinance would involve setting up guidelines and providing permits to ensure responsible ownership, maintaining hygiene, and minimizing noise. An example could be allowing a reasonable number of hens per household with mandatory enclosed coops.

I urge the Lorain City Council to consider the emotional and economic impact of these birds not only on my family but also on many others in the community. Allow us the freedom to maintain a small number of hens and ducks under strict guidelines, ensuring that Lorain becomes a more inclusive, forward-thinking community.

Sign this petition to bring about change in Lorain, OH, ensuring that families can keep chickens and ducks as pets and service animals within city limits.