Save the Chickens of Amherst Township

It is always a tragedy to lose a pet, no matter the circumstance. Just under a month ago we lost our beautiful, gentle giant, rescue Greyhound to bone cancer. We hope to not lose his friends Cherry, Yeti and Chicken (yes, my son named her :), as well.
My name is Kendra, I have loved animals since I was a kid going to my Grandma's farm. I have always wanted to have chickens, so I moved to Amherst Twp. 10 years ago and found a beautiful house located in Hidden Valley. It was perfect! Safe community, close to friendly neighbors, but not too close to the hustle and bustle. Unfortunately for me and so many others like me, current zoning requires 2 acres of land to have chickens. Help me make them see that these wonderful creatures deserve a place in our town. Help me tell them that by raising our own Chickens instead of buying eggs from the store we are being healthier and fighting Animal Cruelty. Help me change the ordinance to allow chickens on parcels under 2 acres.
1. Chickens are Fun, friendly pets with educational value for children about where food like eggs come from. We have had a blast raising our flock. We have taught them to come to us with the phrase "Tookie Tookie," they put themselves in bed at dusk and even enjoy making music on a Xylophone.
2. The eggs are fresh - eggs from the store can already be a month or more old. We not only use our eggs for our household, but give to our family, friends and coworkers.
3. You know what is in them, because you are feeding them. We feed our hens our scraps too, which cuts down on landfill waste.
4. Backyard eggs are WAY healthier - On average, contain 4 to 6 times as much vitamin D, 1⁄3 less cholesterol, 1⁄4 less saturated fat, 2⁄3 more vitamin A, 2 times more omega-3 fatty acids, 3 times more vitamin E, and 7 times more beta carotene than store bought eggs. You also know that your eggs are antibiotic and salmonella free when you have your own flock, a huge benefit to many organic eaters.
5. They control flies and other pests, not add to them. They also dispose of weeds. We live on the woods and do not have to spray any harsh chemicals to rid our yard of mosquitos, ticks and other insects all year long, which is also a huge benefit for our family and other pets.
6. Noise - If you don't have a rooster, chickens are not noisy. Hens still lay eggs without a rooster.
7. Smell - A small flock of 4 or 5 chickens will create about as much poop as an average dog and their coop won't smell if it is kept clean. This is no different than having a dog and cleaning up after it.
8. Backyard Chickens live a much more humane life than battery hens from factories. By keeping a backyard flock and not buying store-eggs you are cutting off support to animal abuse and you are helping the fight to end animal cruelty.

Please sign the attached petition, email and call the Amherst Township Trustees and voice your support for this change.
Ph. 440-988-5894
Email amhersttwpzoning@gmail.com