You may recall that in 2019-2020 Ald. Lopez (15th ward) proposed an ordinance to severely limit chickens and other traditional farmed animals in Chicago backyards. He is once again pushing the ordinance, despite significant opposition the first time. The next meeting for the City Council Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy is Weds, Sept. 6!
Here is the official Chicago Chicken Enthusiasts’ statement on this ordinance. A downloadable version with scripts for calls and emails is available here: CCE Statement Opposing Proposed Chicago Livestock Ordinance (O2023-0002993) (1)
CCE Statement Opposing Proposed Chicago Livestock Ordinance (O2023-0002993)
July 19, 2023
Once again, Aldermen Lopez (15th ward) is pushing an ordinance to severely limit livestock in your backyards and neighborhood farms. This ordinance – introduced AGAIN despite significant community opposition in 2019/2020 – hinders the ability of Chicago residents and urban farmers to grow and raise their own food through fees, fines, and unnecessary burdensome regulations. This version of the ordinance also puts animal welfare organizations at risk for caring for abused animals, if they shelter roosters or exceed the limit on livestock. Together as urban agriculture and animal welfare advocates, we oppose the Chicago Livestock Ordinance, O2023-0002993. Contact your Alderman, as well as Ald. Lopez, to oppose this ordinance.
Current regulations protect Chicagoans’ right to raise backyard livestock and practice urban farming that is humane to animals and respectful of neighbors. Existing City of Chicago ordinances already address the potential public health, nuisance, and animal welfare concerns related to raising small farmed animals. The ordinance will create unnecessary regulation by banning roosters, capping the total number of hens at 6, and levying fines in excess of $250 for ordinance violations.
If enacted, this ordinance will threaten the ability of many of our city’s residents and urban farmers to raise their own food and put them at financial risk with costly fees and fines. In addition, the ordinance infringes on the rights of residents by unduly limiting what animals they can keep. These animals are critical community members, offer hands-on ways to learn about ecology and food (in homes, schools and daycare centers), and provide organic pest control and fertilizer, companionship, and other environmental benefits.
We have worked for years to create a supportive system for Chicago’s thriving home and community gardens, urban farms, and livestock keeping. These activities are critical to healthy food access, ecological health, and workforce development in our city. Community education and networking is more effective than blanket regulation to prevent and solve potential problems. Chicago Chicken Enthusiasts supports and promotes equitable land access, affordable water access, ecological resilience, stronger animal protections, and clear business licensing for urban farms. Please contact your Alderman today to oppose the proposed ordinance O2023-0002993.
Signed,
Chicago Chicken Enthusiasts
Discussion Group
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Contact your alderman, whether on the License committee or not. To find your ward and alderman, use this link.
- Explain your reaction to the proposed ordinance as a responsible chicken/livestock keeper.
- Inform them about backyard chickens and other livestock, and how you manage yours to prevent problems they may have heard about.
- Invite them to meet you and your animals – assuming you have a good example to show them – if not, work on that! So important!
We encourage people to build relationships with their Alder and Ward staff ahead of urgent issues – so they know you and can go to you for more info. Be among the people they are glad are in the ward making it a better place to live.
Home to Roost 