Petition Calls For Ordinance Change
Culbertson’s Mary Drake has started the gears in motion for a possible change to the town ordinance book regarding chickens. Currently, a local ordinance bans all fowl. The Culbertson Backyard Chicken Petition calls for a change and reads as follows: “Amidst the rising cost of chickens and poultry, many families, including my own, are struggling to maintain affordable, nutritious meals. We believe the solution may lie in our own backyards. Given the opportunity to raise chickens, we can ensure self sufficiency and mitigate the impact of volatile market prices. According to the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, backyard chicken rearing not only furnishes households with fresh eggs, but also serves as an effective method of pest control and provides nutrient-rich compost for gardening. These are advantages that we currently miss out on. We understand that there are rightful concerns about noise or nuisance. However, hens, as opposed to roosters, are relatively quiet and unlikely to disturb neighbors. Moreover, a well-maintained chicken coop will not cause any undue smell or attract unwelcome animals, according to experts from the RSPCA. In light of the potential benefits and with appropriate restrictions and guidelines in place to mitigate any nuisance, we ask that allowing backyard chicken rearing be seriously considered for our community. Please support us in our pursuit of self sufficiency. Sign this petition to allow us the right to raise chickens in our own backyards.”
As of press time Monday, dozens of physical signatures had been collected in favor of the petition. Online support for the petition has been almost entirely positive, with commenters discussing the upsides of owning chickens, which they say include affordable local foodstuffs and increased socialization.
Drake said it was her aim to prompt the town council to discuss the ordinance change.
