GEORGETOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Parents of a 12-year-old boy with autism are fighting the township where they live after being ordered to get rid of their son’s ducks despite letters from his doctor designating the birds as emotional support animals.
Georgetown Township zoning officials issued the order to Mark and Jen Dyke after neighbors complained that their son Dylan's ducks were a nuisance, township leaders said. Neighbors complained the birds eliminated on their property and created an unpleasant odor.
Through the Freedom of Information Act, 24 Hour News 8 obtained two of the complaints. The township says it has received several.
“The ducks are free to roam around when their autistic child is present, but often stray from the property and defecate on others (sic) lawns, beaches and patios,” one complaint read in part.
“The sight and smell is offensive and embarrassing... It could affect our home values as well,” another complaint slated.
Township officials say they’re enforcing an ordinance that prohibits homeowners in the area where the Dykes lives from having farm animals on their property. The Dykes have now submitted a request for an ordinance variance and are hoping the township’s zoning appeals board will rule in their favor in 7:30 p.m. meeting at Georgetown Township hall on August 22.
"These ducks are his everything,” Jen Dyke said. "They’re his whole life.”
The ducks are kept in a pen directly behind the family's home which is situated on the shores of a small lake. Jen said her son feeds the birds daily at 7 a.m. sharp. After school, she says Dylan immediately runs to check on the ducks.
Dylan Dyke prepares food for his therapy ducks. (Courtesy: Dyke family)
Dr. Eric Dykstra is Dylan’s psychologist and the clinical director for Developmental Enhancement, PLC. He said the birds have been an important part of Dylan’s treatment.
"They provide the opportunity for him to calm down. They provide the opportunity for him to practice emotional regulation,” Dykstra said, speaking with permission from the Dykes. "For Dylan these ducks are extremely helpful.”
If the ducks are taken from Dylan, Dykstra said he would be concerned.
"I believe it would cause significant emotional distress for him,” he said.