Bradford Homes & Grounds has been running a slaughterhouse at 1676 Rice Road, Lithonia, Ga., for at least five years without a proper DeKalb County business license. Now that Code Enforcement made the business license department aware of the problem, the owner is seeking a rezoning. Please sign this petition asking the DeKalb County Commission to DENY the request.

Here are the key reasons why we ask for a denial:

1. Should not slaughter animals in a residential neighborhood
   In the first two months of this year, 22 cattle, 5 pigs, 85 goats, and 98 sheep were slaughtered. The killing takes place in the middle of a neighborhood, 1/5 mile from Redan Elementary and ½ mile from Redan Recreation Center.
   In the past three years, 2174 animals have been slaughtered, according to the GA Department of Agriculture. The meat is then sold to individual consumers.
   This business does not belong in a residential neighborhood. The request is to rezone it as Residential Estate, but that doesn’t solve the problem of having an active slaughterhouse in the middle of a residential community.
2. Does not meet code
   The property does not have the required building setbacks and fencing for the facility.
3. Has not followed the law
   The owner has a history of operating outside the law. He began slaughtering in 2014 (possibly earlier) but was shut down by the GA Department of Agriculture for not having the proper state license. He has been operating for years under a DeKalb County business license that does not allow slaughterhouses, but rather construction.
4. Has numerous animal control complaints
   Since 2012, Animal Control has been to the property numerous times, investigating the shooting of Canadian geese, unvaccinated dogs kept in barrels, ribs showing on a horse on the property, and concerns about the unsanitary conditions.

In addition, please, write or call your county commissioners and tell them to vote to DENY the rezoning.  Also, come to the meeting and wear red! March 26, 6:30 p.m., 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. Please share this information with any DeKalb County resident who cares about the quality of life in this county.