Michigan Right to Farm Law, what does it mean?

[dsp]

Thats exactly what I am going to say-- How sad that our legislature passed this law(MRTF)..... judges have upheld it--- yet many people are still being harassed at their local government levels. He "works" for me so I hope his listening will be followed by action of some sort.........I will keep you posted.

 

[iluvcks]

I wish all of us that are having this problem could have gotten together and all saw our st reps on the same day. Can u imgaine that next meeting of St reps. I wish we all were more organized as a unit, instead of all of taking care of our individual fights. These towns really do have to be forced to change their ordinaces to follow st law. Otherwise even if we win this battle, In 5 or 10 years when different people are in local office we are just going to get this same knock on our door. The war is only beginning. Its not just about us its everyone. The problem is, when I talk to fellow chicken people if they are not being harrassed now they won't get involved for fear of future harassment. I understand how these folks are thinking. But its only a matter of time before an offical pays them a visit too. I know keeping chickens is much different that civil rights or the womens movement, But hasent history tought us over and over again that a few voices are NEVER heard. It takes great numbers to bring about change. These ordinaces are old and the people in local goverment see NO resaon to change. Unless we the voters, lots of voters demand to take our liberties back. Producing food on your own property should be a right not a privlage.

 

[dsp]

Quote:
I agree. And really while I love my chickens.... This has for me become a war about rights. How dare my local officials try and take away a right given to me by a stae law bacause they don't like it. I tell my neighbors and friends- you might think this is funny I am going through all this for chickens... but really its rights... this time the target is my chickens....next time you and one of your rights might be in the scope. So even people that do not want chickens should be concerned about this. Its wrong.

 

[dsp]

Lets have a Chicken March on Lansing!! All go and meet our state reps in Lansing on the same day! and demand our rights.

 

[dsp]

My State Rep was a pleasure to talk with. He agrees that the law covers us. He is even going to voice his opinion to the Mayor. I am thankful to know we are represented by this man.

 

[vicki2x2]

That is awesome!! That should definitely help!!

 

[iluvcks]

Quote:
You are so lucky. And if we can organize it I would love to march on Lansing. All of us with our chicken signs. Now if we can just get others that arent having this problem to understand and be a voice too.

I totally understand about the rights thing. Preaching to the choir sister. It started out about the chickens but did not take us long at all to relieze it was a fight for rights. That is why out of 312 people that we spoke to 300 agreed enough to sign our petition.

Has MDA come out to the house yet? Steve is so nice.

 

[Farmer Dilly]

You all have really impressed me so much I registered just so I could say Thank You!! My husband I were checking into the viability of raising hens for eggs, when I Googled this thread! All your input, information, and the support you all have provided is outstanding. I now know how to get all my duckies/chicks in a row, prepare my paperwork, print all the info and get things around legally before I even get started!

We are in Battle Creek, can hear roosters crowing, and found a couple of homes a few blocks away that have chickens. So far we have been unable to make contact with them to find out their story. We have been unable to find through our research any info on what Battle Creek has on the books. But with the info in this posting I feel we can move ahead!

Thanks again, fight the good fight and I'm in when you are ready to March on Lansing!! I guess I had better go introduce myself now!

Dilly

 

[vicki2x2]

We are legal, but I would be more than happy to march on Lansing carry signs and chickens!! I think I will take my favorite rooster and get him to crow over and over!!

 

[huntercf]

Quote:
I looked up your municipal code and zoning regs and the laws are poorly written. Nonetheless, based on the code you can only keep 3 dogs and ferrets. No other animals are allowed unless you are a farm (even cats). However, you could argue that they use the word 'animal' to describe 'dogs' so much (and I mean a lot) that when they said you can't own ANY animals in the city limits (yes it really states that) they were really refering to dogs.
Also, welcome to BYC, be careful it is very addicting.