As a resident of Charlestown, Indiana, I am directly affected by an ordinance that bans most all animals that are not either a cat or dog. This ordinance has banned citizens from keeping small farm animals such as chickens and rabbits within 1000 feet of another person’s property. These creatures were grouped with larger, more dangerous animals like elephants, alligators, bears, tigers and leopards - a categorization that is not only unfair but also impractical.

Living in Southern Indiana should mean having the freedom to raise small farm animals. It's part of our heritage and way of life. However, this outdated law restricts us from doing so within city limits. This petition aims to change that.

Chickens and rabbits are not just livestock; they are part of sustainable living practices that many residents wish to adopt for various reasons including food security or teaching responsibility to children. Moreover, backyard poultry farming contributes positively towards local economies by providing fresh eggs while reducing food waste through natural composting and helping with pest control.  

We urge the city council of Charlestown to reconsider this ban on chickens and rabbits within city limits. Limitations on quantities and permits would provide a compromise to a total ban. By doing so we can return a piece of our rural heritage back into our daily lives without posing any significant threat or nuisance within our community.

Please sign this petition if you believe in restoring these rights back to the citizens of Charlestown!

Link to the current ordinance: https://www.cityofcharlestown.com/DocumentCenter/View/783/1995-OR-02-PDF---ANIMALS-WITHIN-CITY-LIMITS-AND-DECLARING-SAME-TO-BE-A-PUBLIC-NUISANCE?bidId=