Allow backyard chickens in Port Saint Lucie!

Dear Mayor Oravec,

The citizens of Port Saint Lucie find it disturbing that we can get a permit to own a dangerous wild animal, but we cannot own chickens.

In regard to the following:

Farm Animals Not Permitted—92.05(C) It is unlawful to keep or permit to run at large horses, donkeys, cattle, swine, sheep, chickens, ducks, geese, roosters, goats, bees or other animals considered to be a farm animal within the corporate limits of the city.

Captive Wildlife—92.05 (A) The permanent housing of captive wildlife, with the appropriate permitting from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in the City of Port St. Lucie is allowed. Some examples of captive wildlife are as follows: Howler Monkey, Lynx, Panther, Bobcat, Cheetah, Leopard, Wolves, Wolf Hybrids, Badger, Hyena, Dwarf Crocodiles, Alligator, and Ostrich.

We are petitioning to change the poultry laws in the city of Port Saint Lucie. Health care professionals are advising us to eat organically and cut out as many chemicals and pesticides as possible. Organic eggs can cost approximately $4.00 per dozen and that can be quite costly for large families.

Chickens are fun, friendly pets with educational value for children about where food like eggs come from!

They can provide food security for poor families.They lay healthier eggs compared to store-bought eggs. They give gardeners high-quality fertilizer. A small flock of around 4 or 5 chickens will only produce as much waste as one average sized dog. They control flies and other pests, not add to them, and dispose of weeds and kitchen scraps that otherwise might end up in the landfill.

You do not need a rooster for hens to produce eggs, therefore, due to noise, we agree that roosters should not be allowed as backyard pets. In order to address an issue of an over population of roosters winding up in shelters, we would encourage families to purchase or adopt chickens that are old enough to be sexed. We can also make arrangements with local farmers to accept roosters. There is a french dish made popular by Julia Child is called Coq au vin which uses roosters. We understand and agree that slaughter should not be allowed in backyards and other arrangements can be made when necessary.

Coops should be placed a certain distance from fence lines, to reduce the chance of disturbing neighbors. We understand and agree there should be a limit to the amount of chickens residents can keep.

We appreciate your time and consideration,

We would like the opportunity to discuss this matter at length and address any further concerns,

The Proud Citizens Of Port Saint Lucie