Emotional Support Chickens Relocated From Yard Amid Dispute

Six chickens kept as registered emotional support animals have been temporarily relocated from the yards of a Penndel Borough apartment building after a code enforcement dispute.

The birds were moved to a temporary safe location last Friday after borough officials notified the landlord of the Centre Avenue apartments that the coop violated the borough’s zoning.

In Penndel Borough’s municipal code, keeping agricultural animals, including chickens, requires a property size of at least 2 acres, according to Mayor Tom Sodano.

The chickens—four owned by a resident named Wendy, who asked that her last name be withheld for privacy, and two registered as emotional support animals by resident Billie Jo Thompson—were rescued together from a flooded homeless encampment in Tennessee where they had hatched at the same time.

Wendy, who has experience in animal husbandry from raising her two autistic children through Philadelphia’s 4-H program, said the chickens are vital to her mental health.

Seven years ago, a severe stalking incident in Philadelphia forced Wendy into hiding. Her doctor recommended she keep an outdoor animal to give her a therapeutic focus and encourage her to go outside without fear.

Prior to the chickens’ arrival, neighbors had not seen Wendy outside for approximately eight months, they said.

Since getting them, Wendy said she goes outside every morning to socialize, experiences fewer bouts of anxiety, and has seen a reduction in her arthritis pain from eating the fresh eggs.

“They calmed me and gave me a reason to come out here,” Wendy said, pointing to where the coop was located.

Neighbors and Thompson corroborated Wendy’s account and one described her transformation as “remarkable.”

In spring, man identifying himself as the mayor approached Wendy outside and said the birds had to be removed or face a $500 daily fine.

A neighbor inside her apartment reported hearing the exchange and said the mayor didn’t seem empathetic.

Since the dispute over the chickens started, Wendy said she has experienced severe anxiety, nausea, sleeplessness, and loss of appetite.

A formal enforcement letter was subsequently sent by borough officials to her landlord.

Mayor Tom Sodano confirmed he filed the complaint against the chickens, but stressed he did so as a private citizen and not a government official. He is letting the officials in borough hall handle any enforcement.

“It was done in my personal capacity,” Sodano said.

The mayor said his garage sits just yards from where the coop was located.

He implied his garage has been dealing with mouse issues since the chickens arrived, but he would not confirm it.

“I’m not against the chickens and I understand them, but I am for regulations,” Sodano said, adding Wendy and Thompson did not seek a zoning variance before installing the coop.

Wendy and Thompson said they believe the chickens are legal and are protected under federal regulations for emotional support animals.

Sodano said he is not an expert on emotional support animals, but has concerns on whether outdoor farm animals fall under those guidelines.

The mayor has researched the chickens in nearby boroughs and townships and believes the Penndel Borough Council should take a fresh look at the chicken ordinance.

Wendy and her supporters have submitted Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) documentation to the borough, but they believe their strongest protection lies under Section 504 of the federal Fair Housing Act, which protects emotional support animals in housing.

Wendy, who has a therapist’s letter justifying her need for the animals, has also contacted the Pennsylvania Disability Rights Network for assistance.

“We have the note and the documents. The chickens help us,” Wendy said.

The apartment landlord was informed of the chickens before they arrived and remains fully supportive.

Thompson and other neighbors explained that the birds brought the small complex together and led to residents sharing morning coffee. Neighborhood children would stop by to watch the chickens.

“Everybody loves them,” Thompson said.

The chickens will remain at their temporary location while the residents work to appeal the borough’s enforcement decision.