Currently, the Kingston Township, PA zoning ordinance prohibits the keeping of poultry or farm animals with no option for a waiver. Additionally, they do not allow these animals to be kept as pets or companions even with a doctor's note stating they are support animals.

I rescued 17 chickens from a horrible hoarding situation. I was successfully able to rehome all but fell in love with 4 of these beautiful babies, so I contacted my Veteran Affairs doctor to request a medical letter stating they are now my support babies. 

I am a 35-year-old veteran with multiple physical and mental disabilities, including a degenerative spinal issue and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) from experiences during my time serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as Operation Enduring Freedom. Kingston Township is attempting to take away one of the few things that, outside of my family, not only improves my mental state on a regular basis but also aids me in getting regular exercise which helps strengthen my back. 

I was informed by the Kingston Township zoning officer that no such possibility exists for a medical waiver and I would be required to rehome my babies. I was shocked the Township would try to remove therapy animals from a disabled Veteran and am willing to fight against the Township for their refusal to be reasonable. 

These animals are very much loved. I always kept the chickens in question as well as their enclosure clean and disinfected. These animals do not produce regular loud noises, did not attract predators or other animals. They were located far away from other neighbors in a well constructed and comfortable coop. 

I live in a cul-de-sac, on the end of a private road, backed up to an undeveloped property that borders a cemetery. My girls are not a nuisance, we compost the bedding for our garden in order to produce a higher yield of vegetables supplementing food for our family especially during these trying times with the current pandemic caused by the coronavirus.

Please support changing the rigid ordnance to allow for a waiver process so people can have the opportunity to keep animals/pets/companions at home. If the Township refuses to update their ordinance, I will be fined and will lose my babies.