Financial Support Needed for Christina & Jason

Hello beautiful community ❤️

My name is Abby, and I'm hosting this fundraiser for our very dear friends, Christina and Jason, who recently went through a harrowing and traumatic experience with their city's law enforcement, incurring legal fees and the loss of precious time and money invested into the raising of a flock of beautiful and well taken care of broiler chickens for their family's winter food stash. I'd love to try and help raise some funds for them to recoup the cost of this awful experience, as they have just moved to a new home due to this financial hardship and are also expecting a new baby in a few months.

Please read their story below:

This past June, without any warning or notice, Livonia Animal Control came onto Jason and Christina's property unannounced and confiscated 16 Rainbow Ranger broiler chickens directly from their tractor (outdoor living shelter) based on a complaint of animal cruelty violations. The birds were just shy of 10 weeks and were scheduled to be harvested that weekend - timing is crucial when raising meat birds. After days of calling and going into all the local offices to get answers, they were finally able to convince the City Attorney to release the chickens back for processing.

Despite the relief of repossessing their chickens, Christina and Jason's fight was far from over. Because of the animal cruelty allegations, they had to acquire an attorney to help support and protect them in court as they fought these false claims. They also canceled their last batch of birds that were set to arrive the following week. After months of being dragged through the court system, a plea bargain was offered and they accepted since they could not afford to continue with trial and the unknown outcome would have been a greater risk to their family and finances.

Three months into the battle, Christina was charged with a misdemeanor and put on probation which came with more fees. They have since moved their family out of Livonia and are thankful for it to be "over," however they are now left with the aftermath of emotional trauma and financial strain.

Jay and I have known Christina and Jason for years and have always known them to be compassionate people who are committed to the loving care of all of their animal companions. A couple of years ago, they began their journey into learning about regenerative agriculture, homesteading, and ethical, compassionate animal husbandry. They took time to attend workshops and read countless books about the care and keeping of these precious animals. When they bought their house together in Livonia and began slowly building their own homestead - Terra Sano Creative - it became so clear how committed they were to truly embodied care for the land they lived on, the food they grew and the animals they cared for. Their flock of chickens was one of the happiest, healthiest looking, and most gentle flocks I have ever encountered.

Watching two individuals we know and love be accused of animal cruelty was awful and felt utterly absurd. Witnessing the hardship they are now shouldering from this painful and stressful experience is what prompted us to ask our communities for help in supporting them.

We've set the financial goal at $2,500 to help cover the legal fees and expenses from this experience. However, any amount raised will directly support them in getting back on their feet. Donations to Christina and Jason can also be sent via venmo @ChristinaCosio.

Jason and Christina wanted me to include this message from them ❤️ "We would like to thank all of our friends, family and community who jumped right in to support us throughout the process. Your kind words and heartfelt letters helped tremendously as they were read by the judge during sentencing."

Thank you for helping to support our dear friends during this time of hardship!