Chicken Ordinance: Show Your Support!

The chicken ordinance is moving ahead! We expect to make definitive progress on this within the next month.

Before we stand up before the Commission we want to be sure that there is NO doubt in our Commissioners' minds that there is an active, vocal, engaged group that STRONGLY supports chickens in Pierre.

In talking with some of our elected officials, I have discovered that recent press coverage has resulted in at least one of them receiving calls  at a rate of 10 against chickens for every 1 (one) in favor. I assume other commissioners are getting similar input.

Our elected officials are not hearing the pro-chicken perspective. I'm not trying to be an alarmist or sensationalist but the next three weeks really are critical for making our points and conveying the message chickens are good for Pierre.

I know we all have causes that call us to action. We wonder if our calls or emails will make a difference. In this case, I can tell you YES, it makes a difference. This is our town. If we don't say we want chickens in Pierre, who will?

Here is what you can do:

1. Write a letter to the editor. We have tips below.

2. Talk to your friends, co-workers and family about why YOU support chickens in Pierre. Get at least 2-3 people who support chickens and make it your mission to recruit them to action.

3. Contact the city commissioners.  Make your voice heard. Phone, email, write them an old fashioned letter. You can get their contact info here: http://ci.pierre.sd.us/Directory.aspx?did=6

4. Keep an eye on local media (paper, radio, PUCkR Facebook page, this blog). The Mayor will be making an announcement about when the ordinance will go before Commission in the next few weeks IF all goes well. Commission meetings are Tuesday nights at 5:30. Keep the next few weeks, at least, open.

This is real, folks. This is grassroots action. It won't happen without you but it can happen BECAUSE of you.

You are needed.