Comments on Urban Chickens Network blog: Animal Sanctuary Coalition Hoodwinks Mankato City ...

The issue will now be brought forth in a public he...

2010-05-12T08:11:59.524-07:00

The issue will now be brought forth in a public hearing on June 14. It is absolutely, positively doomed without well-planned public education, a massive campaign to contact city council reps (who are in some cases reporting that "100% of their constituents" oppose the plan), and getting the FACTS out there. The opposition is incredibly vocal, unbelievably angry, and worst of all they're being taken seriously by the people who matter -- those who will vote on this ordinance. It won't do any good to be angry in exchange, but it's absolutely critical to make your voices heard.

Here's the latest newspaper article: http://is.gd/c4e7b

Egads. There is no debating the extreme animal rig...

2010-04-30T06:49:01.247-07:00

Egads. There is no debating the extreme animal rights/vegan people. Engaging in dialog just gives them more of a platform. Unfortunately, they are very successful at bringing what seems to be a reasonable debate to the table. Avoid direct confrontation. It just makes their points appear valid. Try to address the situation without going head to head.

BTW, I've had issues with PETA, who is dispersing "kindness to animals" materials to schools. The School LIbrary Journal touted how wonderful this free material was. I pointed out that using it gave credence to an extreme political view. Quite the brouhaha on the website.

Hi Thomas, Yes, we are trying agin, but the litan...

2010-04-30T05:51:26.606-07:00

Hi Thomas,

Yes, we are trying agin, but the litany of typical misconceptions still abounds. This year the focus appears to be mostly on declining property values if a few hens are next door. Unfortunately, one councilman is spreading these misconceptions and fears and rallying the opposition using these scare tactics.

We're not a 'play nasty' kind of group, so will do our best to counter these arguments with our education campaign and continue to share with those concerned the realities of a few backyard hens.

Thanks for the continued support!

~Becky

re: getting your hands on the staff report. I am a...

2010-04-30T04:06:54.687-07:00

re: getting your hands on the staff report. I am an alderman down here in Stoughton, Wisconsin, but I am sure that your open records laws would allow you to request a copy of that document.