Studies have shown that eggs from backyard chickens and ducks are more nutritious than eggs from large factory farms. In addition, they provide a sustainable supply of protein at a fraction of the cost of store bought eggs. They eat bothersome insects and consume large amounts of kitchen waste that would otherwise increase the weight and volume of trash, thus reducing the overall cost of trash removal. Backyard hobby-coups have been recognized all over the country, including in our own neighboring communities, as health conscious and earth friendly initiatives.

Mishawaka voters see no reason to continue to ban the raising of a small number of chickens or ducks in well kept and enclosed backyard hobby-coups.