- Aug 15, 2012
- 51
- 1
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Well, I wasn't sure were to post this - thought this was as good as any. . .I am in the process of challenging local ordinances concerning the definition of livestock and ability to keep backyard chickens. First, a little background . . .
We live in a small (pop 2,500) RURAL town, about 40 miles south of Chicago. I have lived here for 17yrs, and in that time have only heard one response to the question of having a backyard flock, "No way". After 17yrs, and major changes in the economy and way we think about food consumption, neighbors & I have come to one conclusion. Basically, the rule is silly & makes little to no sense considering our location. So, the neighbors chose me to take up the issue with the village - fine, I can do that!
I plan to chronicle the process, in this thread. Follow along, if you like. . . .
This task began with a phone call to a member of our board of trustees, I have a good relationship with a few trustees and the village in general, to find out the best person to speak to regarding the steps that must be taken to change or at least challenge an ordinance. I received the trustee's name, and when I attempted to get in touch I was redirected to the village administrator (not known for having a sense of open opinion). I figured, "OK, I will have to have this discussion at some point, so why not now". After a short bit of phone-tag, I asked if a few minutes could be spared for a face-to-face regarding chickens. A time was agreed upon & we sat down to talk.
**Note** It is my preference to speak to people face-to-face whenever possible. I find it makes the conversation more "real". Plus, it's more difficult for the other person to blow you off or not pay attention to what you have to say.
The outcome of this stage was a pleasant surprise for me & an awakening for the village. During our conversation the Admin offered to pull out the book of ordinances so we could look at it together. Not only could we not find any standing ordinance, we could not find any definition of livestock or poultry. The only thing found was a municipal code against keeping poultry or swine in an inhumane pen or enclosure. I was told that there would be some phone calls made to locate or clarify the location of this village code, and I would be contacted shortly. . .
Score >> Chickens 1 Code 0
To be clear. . .
I take great pride in my village & love living here. I do believe that there should be rules in place to govern the keeping of chickens, for there benefit & the benefit of others. I would refer to them as "Good Neighbor" policies. Any animal that we keep for our pleasure or benefit should be well cared for & protected against abuse and neglect. While I feel that everyone, in our town, has (or should have) the "right" to own chickens; not everyone has adequate space or accommodation to be a "Good Neighbor" and have a flock at the same time. Rules are needed to keep order. . .
I will let you know what happens. . . .
We live in a small (pop 2,500) RURAL town, about 40 miles south of Chicago. I have lived here for 17yrs, and in that time have only heard one response to the question of having a backyard flock, "No way". After 17yrs, and major changes in the economy and way we think about food consumption, neighbors & I have come to one conclusion. Basically, the rule is silly & makes little to no sense considering our location. So, the neighbors chose me to take up the issue with the village - fine, I can do that!
I plan to chronicle the process, in this thread. Follow along, if you like. . . .
This task began with a phone call to a member of our board of trustees, I have a good relationship with a few trustees and the village in general, to find out the best person to speak to regarding the steps that must be taken to change or at least challenge an ordinance. I received the trustee's name, and when I attempted to get in touch I was redirected to the village administrator (not known for having a sense of open opinion). I figured, "OK, I will have to have this discussion at some point, so why not now". After a short bit of phone-tag, I asked if a few minutes could be spared for a face-to-face regarding chickens. A time was agreed upon & we sat down to talk.
**Note** It is my preference to speak to people face-to-face whenever possible. I find it makes the conversation more "real". Plus, it's more difficult for the other person to blow you off or not pay attention to what you have to say.
The outcome of this stage was a pleasant surprise for me & an awakening for the village. During our conversation the Admin offered to pull out the book of ordinances so we could look at it together. Not only could we not find any standing ordinance, we could not find any definition of livestock or poultry. The only thing found was a municipal code against keeping poultry or swine in an inhumane pen or enclosure. I was told that there would be some phone calls made to locate or clarify the location of this village code, and I would be contacted shortly. . .
Score >> Chickens 1 Code 0
To be clear. . .
I take great pride in my village & love living here. I do believe that there should be rules in place to govern the keeping of chickens, for there benefit & the benefit of others. I would refer to them as "Good Neighbor" policies. Any animal that we keep for our pleasure or benefit should be well cared for & protected against abuse and neglect. While I feel that everyone, in our town, has (or should have) the "right" to own chickens; not everyone has adequate space or accommodation to be a "Good Neighbor" and have a flock at the same time. Rules are needed to keep order. . .
I will let you know what happens. . . .
