Urban Farm DB
Research catalogue
Database research record2025·Global

Municipalities, Let the People Have Their Chickens and Eat Them, Too

Cindy Vong

Journal of Food Law & Policy

Urban Farm DB summary

This Note argues that municipalities in the United States should permit on-site slaughter of backyard chickens on private residential property. Historically, local governments codified the separation of residential and agricultural uses, leading to bans and restrictions on urban agriculture. The current regulatory vacuum for urban agriculture creates conflicts and uncertainties, and allowing backyard slaughter could strengthen local food systems and regulate a growing urban practice.