Pennsylvania town makes decision on teen girl's therapy chickens
GREENSBURG, Pa. -- A Pennsylvania town has decided not to evict a teenage girl's four pet chickens that her parents say are emotional support animals.
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports Hempfield Township's zoning board said Tuesday that the 15-year-old girl's two hens and two roosters could stay as long as her parents give up other chickens that live at the home.
The family had about 25 chickens living at their home until April, when neighbors complained about the birds. David Downing says the family has reduced their flock to fewer than 10 and is willing to give away all but the four that live with his daughter.
The 15-year-old Sarah Downing previously spoke to local station WPIX about her therapy chickens.
"You can just cuddle them, which a chicken being cuddly, I know how crazy that sounds," she said. "But it helps, it really does."
David Downing says his daughter suffers from anxiety and depression and she turns to them for comfort. He says the animals are vital to her mental well-being.