Don't Take Away Boy's Pet Chickens!

Anthony is a little boy who fell head over heels in love with his pet chickens, who also help him with his autism. Anthony cannot control his autism or the heart full of love for his chickens. But his town is not allowing Anthony to keep his pet chickens, which have helped him by reducing symptoms related to autism; anxiety, stress, having off days, etc. City officials in Brownsburg have said if Anthony does not get rid of his beloved pets, our family faces a $2,500 fine.

Please sign this petition to help Anthony save his pet therapy chickens from being removed and to ask that the town pass a variance that would allow him to keep his therapy chickens which help with his autism.

My son does not understand why he is being told who he can love as a pet. The chickens are part of our family. They are bathed once a week, are fed all organically, they are healthy, trained chickens. We've even decided to donate all the eggs to help our community because organic eggs are healthier for children.

My son's autism is never going to end, but because of the time he has spent daily with his chickens inside their run, he has less anxiety, less issues with OCD, ADHD, his eating has picked up, his sleeping has improved, and he has reduced the amount of time in repeating behaviors. He told me he feels calmer while holding and loving his chickens during the day.

Please sign the petition to urge the town of Brownsburg, IN to let Anthony keep his therapy chickens!

Here's some information about therapy animals and individuals with disabilities.

What is an Animal Needed for Those with Disabilities?

These animals help people overcome the limitations of their disabilities and the barriers in their environment. They are working animals and not pets, and this work may also entitle them to access of public places and common areas. The most common animals for persons with disabilities are dogs, but sometimes other species are used (for example, a cat or a bird). These animals may be any breed, size, or weight. Some, but not all, of these animals wear special collars and harnesses. Depending upon the duties the animal will perform, these animals may be called service, assistive, therapeutic, emotional support, or companion animals. These animals can be for people with physical and/or mental disabilities. Indiana Code 16-32-3-1.5 defines a service animal as “an animal trained as a hearing animal; a guide animal; an assistance animal; a seizure alert animal; a mobility animal; or an autism service animal.”

What Do These Animals Do?

Animals perform many types of services for persons with disabilities. Here are some examples:

  • A guide animal serves as a travel tool by a person who is legally blind.
  • A hearing animal alerts a person with significant hearing loss or who is deaf when a sound occurs, such as a ringing alarm or a knock on the door.
  • A service animal helps a person who has a mobility or health disability. Duties may include carrying, fetching, opening doors, ringing doorbells, activating elevator buttons, steadying a person while walking, helping a person up after a fall, etc.
  • A seizure response animal assists a person with a seizure disorder. The animal’s service depends on the person’s needs. The animal may go for help, or may stand guard over the person during a seizure. Some animals have learned to predict a seizure and warn the person.
  • A companion animal or emotional support animal assists people with psychological disabilities. Emotional support animals can help alleviate symptoms such as depression, anxiety, stress and difficulties regarding social interactions, allowing tenants to live independently and fully use and enjoy their living environment.

Therapy animals are sometimes also called assistance animals.

Discrimination is against the law!

http://www.fhcci.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FHCCI-Animals-for-Those-with-Disabilities-Guide.pdf

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