We strongly believe that the right to food and food security are two of the most important issues faced today. Keeping backyard fowl also provides opportunities to reconnect children and youth to the rewarding responsibility of caring for the world around them.

The existing ordinances related to raising hens within residentially zoned areas of Royse City stand against the Texas Right to Farm Act. The latest amendment to the Texas Right to Farm Act (HB 1750) states that “A city may not impose a governmental requirement that applies to agricultural operations [to include including raising or keeping livestock or poultry] located in the corporate boundaries of the city unless… [there is] clear and convincing evidence that the purposes of the requirement cannot be addressed through less restrictive means.”

We do NOT seek to allow the raising of hens without restriction. Instead, we DO seek to propose a “less restrictive means” to enforce the purposes of local government requirements (e.g., prevention of audible nuisances, protection of public health and safety, etc.) while protecting Texans right to farm. The proposed ordinance will consider measures such as limitation to the number of hens, prohibition of selling byproducts, etc.

We hereby petition the City Council to amend the city ordinances to allow food-producing fowl (hens only) in all residential zoned areas of Royse City thereby removing interference on individual food security and bringing local and state law into greater harmony.

Please sign our petition to support this important cause. Together we can achieve more freedom and food security!