Backyard Chickens part 7

On Wednesday, March 7, at 4:15 PM I will be attending the meeting of the Board of Health to ask them to reconsider their decision. This may be my last chance to keep my chickens as I received a summons to appear in municipal court for violating New Milford's ban on chicken keeping. This issue is more than just a man wanting to raise chickens. It is about having the freedom to provide food for one's family. Food that is inherently healthier, comes from humanely raised animals, and is better for the environment. It is about providing food economically during tough times. Not just for my family but for others as well ( I often give extra eggs to our friends.). It is about teaching children that food does not just come from a box in the supermarket. I opened my house to my son's Cub Scout den to show them the chickens and the many other things we do here such as solar electric, a solar oven, energy efficient lighting, and recycling to name a few. I plan to bring with me to the meeting more documentation dispelling the fears that backyard chickens spread diseases. Documentation is nice but what I really need is the support of the community. That support can come in the form of signatures on my petition "New Milford, New Jersey Board of Health: Allow the Keeping of Backyard Chickens."

That support can come as residents joining me at the Board of Health meeting to speak to the members. That support can also come as phone calls to the Health Department and the Board of Health. I would like to thank everyone who has provided their support via the petiton, via my Facebook page New Milford Residents for Sustainability, and via these blogs. Hopefully Wednesday's meeting will mark a turning point in fight.