We believe that the citizens of Talbot County, Maryland have the right to raise poultry and waterfowl on residential lots without restrictions. We strongly oppose the proposed revisions to Talbot County Code, Section 190-33.11 that would limit the number of birds, location of enclosures, ban roosters, and prohibit free-ranging of birds on all residential lots in the county.
We feel that it is important to allow residents to continue to keep backyard flocks without restrictions because:
-Fresh eggs and meat offer food security.
-Raising poultry and other fowl is gentle on the environment and reduces the carbon footprint.
-Free-ranging birds are healthier, consuming a nutritious omnivorous diet.
-Free-ranging poultry consume ticks, therefore lowering residents' risk of contracting tick-borne illnesses on their property.
-Raising poultry and waterfowl is fun and educational.
-It helps residents connect with the strong agricultural history of their community.
-Raising poultry and waterfowl interests children in farming, a critically needed occupation.
