Backyard chickens provide numerous benefits to families and the community. Many of Richmond Hill’s surrounding communities (Vaughan, Etobicoke-Lakeshore, and Parkdale-High Park) already allow residents to raise backyard chickens. Richmond Hill’s current animal bylaw has not been updated in 16 years. They classify backyard chickens as “laying hens” and consider them as livestock such as cows, sheep's, and pigs. Backyard chickens are not livestock and are not used for profit or propagation, but rather they provide the entire family and community with numerous benefits which are listed below. We need to update our animal bylaw for positive change in Richmond Hill! 

1.  Backyard chickens provide companionship as pets. Chickens can recognize people, and will come when you call. 
2.  They provide a healthy source of food through their eggs.
3.  Chickens support sustainability and reduce organic waste (they eat leftover vegetables).
4.  Chickens eat weeds and decrease the need for harmful herbicides. 
5.  Chickens love insects and they will help keep your backyard mosquitos, ticks, and other invasive species in check. 
6.  Raising chickens teaches the importance of keeping them healthy. They allow numerous educational opportunities for the entire family, teaching children about responsibility and where their food comes from. Furthermore, they provide fresh eggs for you to eat every morning!

An update in the bylaw will provide appropriate guidelines for residents to raise backyard chickens in a healthy, and sustainable way - benefiting the entire community. Please join us in advocating for an update in Richmond Hill’s bylaws to allow backyard chickens!