Mary and Craig Schroeder's legal fees are still climbing, and we could use your help. 100% of your donations go to the legal fund for this important case that will set precedent for all of us. Please consider a donation, no matter how small - even $20 - the cost of a bag of feed.
Here is their personal message
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
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