To: Garner Town Council We, the undersigned citizens of Garner, believe that chickens belong within the town limits in residential areas. The Town ordinance should be changed to allow up to 5 backyard hens for the following reasons: Natural Insect Control And Fertilizer: Chickens love to eat ground based bugs, especially ticks. North Carolina has one of the highest infection rates of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever [cdc.gov]. By keeping a few chickens, you will not need to use as many pesticides. North Carolinian gardeners suffer from red clay and are required to amend the soil so that their plants will flourish. Chickens will provide you with one of the best natural fertilizers. You will no longer need to purchase expensive fertilizers. Nutritional Value: Fresh, naturally raised eggs have an improved nutrient profile compared to conventional eggs. Sustainable Living: Raising your own chickens will bring you and your family one step closer to a sustainable and self-sufficenct life. The eggs that you eat will not need to be trucked from a farm to a local grocery store and then picked up by you from the store. Inexpensive Pets: Chicks can be purchased for as little as $1 each and feed is around $0.10 per day per chicken. The feed cost is lower if your enclosed area has grass for them to eat or if you give them table scraps. Backyard hens provide an educational opportunity to teach children where our food comes from and demonstrate responsible pet ownership. Strengthens A Community: Owners of backyard chickens share a common bond and many meet up on a regular basis and host culturally enriching activities for their communities. By amending the Town ordinance to allow residents to keep hens in residential zones, the Town of Garner will encourage stewardship of the environment and food production on a household scale. Sincerely, The Undersigned