My name is James and I am 11 years old. Last year my family did a volunteer service with Coverdale farms. We raised baby chicks and fell in love with them, now I am inspired to make it possible for everyone to have the privilege to raise livestock of their on choice.

My family, like many in New Castle, DE, USA, have found a profound connection with nature and sustainable living – a connection we wish to carry forward by raising chickens. This has, rather frustratingly, been met with local legislation restricting the rearing of livestock in our town's residential areas. We believe it's essential to adjust these regulations to reflect the evolving realities of urban farming.

Urban farming has seen an uprising in cities across the country. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, upwards of 15% of the world's food is now grown in urban areas. Despite this, New Castle's existing laws have not been updated to reflect these shifts.

Our aim isn't to make our residential areas turn into full-fledged farms. Rather, we'd like amendments made for small, manageable livestock, like chickens, rabbits, and the like. These animals not only provide families like ours a sustainable source of food, but also have numerous environmental benefits. Chicken waste, for example, can be composted and used as a potent fertilizer for home gardens. Also chickens eat 50-80 ticks per day which can make life and being in the backyard safer.

Lastly, raising chickens is a hands-on educational opportunity for young ones, fostering a deeper understanding of food sources and sustainability, promoting a sense of responsibility, and imparting essential life skills.

It is our humble request that the local government revisit and revise current laws restricting the rearing of small livestock in New Castle's residential areas. Sign this petition and support us in ushering a new era of urban farming and sustainability.