We, the People of the Town of Millsboro, present to the town Council our

PETITION

WE, the people of the Town of Millsboro, the undersigned, do hereby petition the , as a body politic incorporate, to refrain from any changes or alterations to the current code §52-12 Poultry houses; domestic fowl, or enacting any ordinance or regulation prohibiting maintaining domestic chickens or poultry flocks, including roosters who insure future healthy chicks, protect flocks and properties within the town limits, for the following reasons:

1. Preservation of the right of self-sufficiency “according to our consciences…life and liberty, protecting…property…without injury” ¹ to another, essential to their welfare under the authority derived by the people
2. Quality eggs, environmental & health benefits versus big box stores’ factory production sources especially those with inhumane, unethical animal welfare methods which are taxpayer supported
3. Access to alternative food supply in times of emergencies including but not limited to issues such as supply-chains, diseases, health, lock-downs, government actions, production costs and regulations insuring Food-Security
4. Consistency with the 2018 State of Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy just reinstated by Governor Matt Mayer’s Executive Order 5.²
5. The current code, §52-12 Poultry houses; domestic fowl, is reasonable, adequate, and should not be altered.
6. §52-12(C) already balances public health and property rights effectively.
7. Keeping of domestic fowl is part of our historic “small town environment“, our “rural charm” continuing to add to the “vibrant tapestry of our town’s culture, events, and resources, communicating the warmth of our community”³ in keeping with historic methods and our nation’s independence, as well as, our Comprehensive Plan³.
8. The current code aligns with community interests and changes are unnecessary or would be overly restrictive on our independence by elimination of our ability to be self-sufficient.

1 Delaware Constitution

2 https://www.coastalpoint.com/news/state/meyer-signs-executive-order-to-strengthen-food-security-networks/article_7905b2ba-ddbd-11ef-b951-abd1108e1256.html Accessed: Sept 22, 2025

3 Millsboro Comprehensive Plan, Adopted February, 2021