# PETITION FOR HERITAGE BREED CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION EXCEPTION
## Supporting Threatened Russian Orloff Conservation and Education in Aurora

**Heather Krueger and 7-year-old Liliana Krueger (3024 S Cathay Cir, Aurora, CO) are gathering signatures to allow for the conservation and educational keeping of roosters of threatened and endangered heritage breeds within city limits.**

## ABOUT THE RUSSIAN ORLOFF:
- Listed as "Threatened" on the Livestock Conservancy's Conservation Priority List (fewer than 1,000 breeding birds globally)
- Recently improved from "Critical" status but still requires conservation efforts
- Distinctive appearance with "beard" and "muffs" of feathers and greenish/purplish iridescent sheen
- Exceptionally gentle temperament (children ages 7, 4, and 3 can safely handle this rooster)
- Often friendlier than puppies, with a calm, docile disposition that welcomes human interaction
- His crow is significantly quieter - only about a quarter of the volume of other roosters

** 77 decibals from 5 feet away- quieter then the 97 decibals of my golden retrievers bark. To put that into perspective, my speaking voice is 67 decibals from 1 foot away. 
- Not noisy in the morning like typical roosters
- Calmer and quieter than typical roosters
- A "heavy" breed (8-9 lbs) that doesn't fly well or range widely
- Cold-hardy and well-adapted to Colorado's climate
- Originally bred for the Russian Tsar's court in the 18th century
- Known as "living history" with genetics that haven't changed significantly in centuries
- Nicknamed "the gentle giants" of the chicken world by heritage breed enthusiasts

## OUR CONSERVATION AND EDUCATIONAL PROJECT:
The Krueger family commits to:
- Finding as many female Russian Orloffs as possible (up to 5) to establish a breeding program
- Incubating eggs to help preserve and expand this rare breed
- Participating in poultry shows to raise awareness about this rare breed
- Documenting conservation efforts for educational purposes
- Using this as an ongoing educational project for our children
- Sharing knowledge with the community about heritage breed importance

- experimenting with other breeds to see if genetics can mix to make a hybrid superior breed. For example we have a easter orloff- who will be extremely cold hardy, laying blue or green colored eggs almost daily, with a calm, docile temperament but also be a dual purpose bird with the size of the orloff, as well as one of a kind, gorgeous patterns. 

## CURRENT ORDINANCE VS. PROPOSED AMENDMENT:

**Current Aurora Municipal Code (Section 14-5):**
- Prohibits roosters in residential areas
- Allows up to 6 hens with restrictions on numbers
- Does not provide exceptions for rare or heritage breeds
- Contains no provisions for educational or conservation purposes

## PROPOSED COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENT:

**Section 1: Heritage Breed Conservation and Educational Exception**
"Notwithstanding the prohibition on roosters in residential areas, the Aurora City Council may grant special permits for heritage breed conservation and/or educational programs involving breeds classified as 'Critical' or 'Threatened' by the Livestock Conservancy. These permits would be granted on a case-by-case basis, considering:

1. A detailed conservation and/or educational plan submitted by the applicant
2. Documentation verifying the breed's conservation status
3. The property's suitability for maintaining appropriate housing and space for the birds' wellbeing
4. The applicant's demonstrated commitment to conservation efforts and/or educational outreach through breeding programs, school partnerships, community education, or participation in heritage breed preservation
5. Cooperation with local educational institutions or agricultural organizations when possible
6. Reasonable consideration given to the residential setting and neighboring properties"

**Section 2: Modest Expansion for Conservation and Educational Programs**
"Properties approved for heritage breed conservation and/or educational programs may keep:
- Up to 12 chickens total (increased from current limit of 6)
- Up to 2 roosters maximum per property for approved conservation/educational programs
- All existing coop and housing requirements remain in effect

**Fee Structure for Expanded Programs:**
To support larger conservation programs while generating city revenue:
- Base conservation permit fee: $40
- Standard allowance: First 6 chickens at no additional cost
- Additional chickens: $25 fee per bird above the 6-chicken limit
- Example: A 12-chicken conservation program would pay $40 base fee + $150 for 6 additional chickens = $190 total
- All fees directed to city priorities such as environmental education, park maintenance, or conservation initiatives

This structure allows serious conservation programs to operate at effective scale while ensuring Aurora benefits financially and maintains appropriate oversight through the permit process."

**Section 3: Lifetime Care and Educational Continuity**
"Roosters approved under heritage breed conservation and/or educational permits may be kept for their natural lifespan, including:
- Continued housing after educational projects conclude (school projects, 4-H, etc.)
- No requirement to dispose of roosters when breeding capacity diminishes
- Recognition that heritage breed conservation and education includes long-term commitment to animal welfare
- Allowing children to maintain bonds with educational animals beyond project completion
- Understanding that responsible animal husbandry includes lifetime care commitment"

**Section 4: Program Requirements**
Conservation and/or educational permit holders must:
- Submit conservation and/or educational program reports upon request from the city
- Maintain appropriate housing and care standards
- Document conservation efforts and/or educational activities
- Demonstrate ongoing commitment to breed preservation and/or community education

## EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM EXAMPLES:

**Individual/Family Educational Projects:**
- Children's 4-H or FFA projects involving heritage breed study
- School science fair projects on genetics, conservation, or agriculture
- Homeschool curriculum involving hands-on animal husbandry
- Family-based learning about sustainable agriculture and food systems
- Multi-generational education connecting children to agricultural heritage

**Community Educational Opportunities:**
- Hosting school field trips to observe heritage breeds
- Partnering with local schools for classroom presentations
- Participating in community education events about conservation
- Demonstrations at farmers markets or community fairs
- Educational workshops on heritage breed importance and care

**Academic Applications:**
- Study of genetics and breeding principles
- Research on conservation biology and endangered species
- Projects on agricultural history and heritage preservation
- Learning about animal husbandry and responsible pet ownership
- Understanding food systems and sustainable agriculture

## PRECEDENT IN OTHER MUNICIPALITIES:
- **Fort Collins, CO**: Allows exceptions for "bona fide educational projects or displays"
- **Boulder County, CO**: Has provisions for agricultural heritage projects
- **Madison, WI**: Grants case-by-case variances for poultry conservation efforts with detailed conservation plans
- **Burlington, VT**: Has exceptions for heritage breed conservation programs with educational components
- **Portland, OR**: Has created permits for educational animal husbandry with cooperation from local schools
- **Seattle, WA**: Allows exceptions for educational programs with proper permits

## JUSTIFICATION:

**Conservation Necessity:**
- Russian Orloffs: Fewer than 1,000 breeding birds globally
- Each breeding bird crucial for genetic diversity preservation
- Small breeding programs require modest increases in numbers

**Educational Value:**
- Provides hands-on learning opportunities for children
- Teaches responsibility, animal care, and conservation principles
- Creates connection between urban children and agricultural heritage
- Supports STEM education through genetics and biology study

**Community Values:**
- Over 500 Aurora residents have signed in person and online in support of this conservation initiative
- Demonstrates Aurora's commitment to environmental stewardship and education
- Provides educational opportunities for families and community
- Shows responsive governance that balances conservation with community needs

• a Councilmember has agreed to present petition to Aurora City Council
• 9 new baby chicks have hatched with more information incubator
• CBS news is going to run a story on this next week 
• The Denver post also reached out and are possibly interested in an article.

**Educational and Emotional Benefits:**
- Children learn about long-term animal care responsibility
- Prevents traumatic disposal of beloved educational animals
- Teaches commitment and follow-through on animal welfare
- Allows educational relationships to continue beyond formal projects
- Demonstrates humane treatment values to young people

**Reasonable Scope:**
- Limited to verified endangered breeds only
- Case-by-case evaluation maintains city oversight
- Modest number increases (6 to 12 chickens, max 2 roosters)
- All existing housing and setback requirements maintained
- Annual reporting ensures program accountability

## KEVIN THE RUSSIAN ORLOFF
Our beloved Russian Orloff rooster Kevin demonstrates all the positive characteristics of this rare heritage breed. He is gentle enough for small children to handle safely, has a significantly quieter crow than typical roosters, and serves as an educational ambassador for his endangered breed.

By signing below, I support the Krueger family's request for a comprehensive ordinance amendment to Aurora's rooster prohibition, creating a framework for heritage breed conservation and educational programs that serve our community's values while preserving rare genetic resources for future generations.

**This focused amendment addresses conservation and educational needs while respecting community concerns and maintaining appropriate city oversight.**

For questions or more information, please contact:
Heather Krueger | 3024 S Cathay Cir, Aurora | 720-298-2003 | skylapse@yahoo.com