AUA Seeks Support from CCGA Community Gardeners!
Right now, Aldermen Lopez (15th ward) and Napolitano (41st ward) are pushing an ordinance to severely limit livestock in your backyards and neighborhood farms. This ordinance, introduced without meaningful community input, hinders the ability of Chicago residents and urban farmers to grow and raise their own food through fees, fines, and unnecessary burdensome regulations.
It also puts animal welfare organizations at risk if they shelter roosters or exceed the limit on livestock. Many would prefer to see tiered licensing fees for animals who have different impacts. Still others have worried that the outright ban on roosters would lead to people abandoning the fowl since people buy chicks without knowing if they’ll grow into hens or roosters. Although a vote was planned for October, Alderman Lopez has said he is willing to see more discussion and a vote in early 2020.
Urban agriculture and animal welfare advocates have joined together to oppose this ordinance. In a formal statement they have said, “We oppose the Chicago Livestock Ordinance, O2019-7576. CCGA supports this statement. AUA asks that you please contact your Alderperson today, as well as Aldermen Lopez and Napolitano, to oppose this ordinance and to VOTE NO on these proposed changes and to support community-development of urban agriculture and animal welfare solutions!”
Here’s how you can help:
- Add your name to AUA’s sign on letter in opposition to proposed ordinance O2019-7576 (in English and in Spanish)
- Email your ward office with this super brief and easy action form
- Finally, calls to your ward office are an effective personal touch. See these talking points for all the details you need.
Spread the word! Martha Boyd, Program Director, Angelic Organics Learning Center, says, “There are just 50 alderpeople, but they all have multiple staff members, who also matter for our efforts! We can build relationships with all of these people.”
For more information, you can find an interview with Laura Calvert of AUA and Alderman Lopez here. You can also follow the news on the AUA website here.