Backyard Chickens are Pets - NC Legal Fund
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Help Mary and Craig Fight for Backyard Chickens Everywhere!
Dear friends, family, and fellow chicken lovers,
We’re Mary and Craig Schroeder, and we need your help. For years, we’ve been locked in a grueling legal battle with our former HOA over something near and dear to our hearts: our pet chickens. What started as a personal fight to keep our feathered family members has grown into something much bigger—a case that could set a critical legal precedent for backyard chicken owners across the United States, especially here in North Carolina.
Even though we’ve since moved away from that neighborhood, the fight isn’t over. The HOA slapped us with $31,500 in fines, and our legal fees have soared to nearly $48,500—and they’re still climbing. This battle has drained our savings and tested our resolve, but we’re not giving up. Why? Because this isn’t just about us anymore—it’s about protecting the rights of countless others who cherish their backyard flocks.
On April 22, 2025, our case will be heard at the North Carolina Supreme Court. This is a make-or-break moment, not only for us but for anyone who believes in the freedom to raise chickens sustainably and responsibly in their own yards. A win could safeguard chicken owners from overreaching HOAs nationwide; a loss could embolden restrictive rules and fines for years to come.
We’ve poured everything we have into this fight, but we can’t do it alone. Legal battles are expensive, and every dollar counts as we prepare for this pivotal court date. That’s why we’re turning to you—our community, our supporters, and everyone who believes in standing up for what’s right.
Here’s how you can help:
• Donate: Any amount, big or small, will go directly toward our mounting attorney fees and court costs.
• Share: Spread the word about our campaign to friends, family, and fellow chicken enthusiasts. The more people who know, the stronger our support grows.
Your contribution isn’t just helping us—it’s helping every backyard chicken owner who dreams of fresh eggs, sustainable living, and the joy of clucking companions. Together, we can make a difference, one coop at a time.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts (and our hens’ too!). Let’s keep this fight alive and show the world that even the little guy—and their chickens—can stand tall.
With gratitude,
Mary and Craig Schroeder
FYI - Previous court decision
Organizer
Friends of Hens
Organizer
Monroe, NC