DEAR EDITOR:

I was moved by the proposal by a Lisbon resident to allow homeowners to raise chickens in their yards. An ordinance prohibits such.

Certainly, inconveniences are to be experienced with chickens or other farm animals. The originator of the idea suggests it would draw people to the area. Add to that the gains to the homeowner participant: extra income, more authority over food and diet, natural living, appreciation of nature and self-worth. Oppositely, the nuisance inconveniences could include noise, odor and necessary yard cleanup.

I reflect on my modest but sustaining experience raising animals and house pets.

Now I have one cat, but a considerable memory of former cats. I had cats at both home and office. Dogs, too, I raised. Those were common pets, but as a 1950s youth in Boardman, across from the Forest Glen Estates, we were fortunate to raise farm animals in our backyard from specimens purchased almost newborn before Easter at department stores. We called the baby chickens peeps.

One season we raised five ducks, another a rabbit, and believe it or not, one summer a lamb, all raised outside.

We chose to raise animals for companionship and education, not eggs or meat. These experiences awarded me with five blessings.

First, they taught me responsibility. Raising animals is mostly aboput being responsible for their care.

Secondly, they taught me to respect life and nature.

Third, this experience educated me, and unlike school, gave me hands-on learning.

Fourth, these activities raised our family’s stature in the neighborhood; most folks were appreciative of our efforts and thankful for the diversion from ordinary pursuits.

Lastly, these events influenced life choices I adopted as an adult, especially with diet, pet ownership, gardening, appreciator and advocate for nature and for spending tim outdoors.

I am not opposed to raising chickens in yards where the lot provides suitable space. This should be a homeowner’s right, and I support dismissing ordinances against the practice, wherever they stand. Perhaps neighborhoods could collectively raise chickens and share the gain. The benefits are enormous: self-growth, learning, esteem, accomplishment, health, direct control of a food source, and extra income from eggs or meat.

The activity is not suited for everyone for age, health, mobility, space, interest, family congestion, schedules, etc. But let me bring the idea of raising an animal closer to home. Many of us are positioned, home or apartment, to take care of a pet and appreciate the contribution a pet can deliver to a family or a person.

Chickens, maybe not, but cats, dogs, birds, or other caged animals are eligible for adoption. Please neighbor, adopt a first, replacement or an additional household pet.

JIM VILLANI

Youngsto