Ducks Therapy for Georgetown Township Boy with Autism May Have to Go



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GEORGETOWN TOWNSHIP, Michigan – A 12-year-old autistic boy may lose his emotional support ducks who are in violation of a township zoning ordinance.

Dylan Dyke got his ducks, Nibbles and Bill, two years ago. Dylan's parents said the animals helped him maintain "his normalcy".

"They taught him to be responsible," said Mark Dyke, Dylan's father. "They taught him to connect emotionally to someone for something."

Dr. Eric Dykstra, Dylan Psychologist and Clinical Director of Developmental Enhancement, PLC Clinic Jenison, explains that ducks respond to the emotional support criteria of the animals, Dylan gets up every morning at 7:00 am "They are special to me because I trust them a lot and they trust me a lot," says Dylan.

The family may need to remove ducks from their home on Van Buren Street near 22nd Street Georgetown Township officials stated that ducks were violating a zoning ordinance prohibiting families from having farm animals in this residential area. [19659002] Several neighbors have complained about the conditions and smell of the yard where ducks are kept in an enclosure.The attorney of the Cory Estates Owners Association, where live the s Dykes, said that the association could not facilitate a solution between family and neighbors. He appealed to the township for a waiver of the order. The Zoning Appeals Committee will review the matter at its meeting on August 22 at 7:30 pm. in Georgetown Township Hall

"It would not be the same [losing Nibbles and Bill]," said Dylan. "It would be very difficult to keep doing everything without the ducks."

Some neighbors said to 13 On your side that they do not want Dylan to lose the ducks, but that the situation is resolved a way that meets their concerns. The Dykes say that they also want to work with the community.

"I hope the township will recognize that it's a unique situation with a child with special needs," Mark said. "There are laws that protect children like Dylan, there are also zoning laws for a reason, and we recognize that, we want to get along with our neighbors and hope for a peaceful settlement with anyone who may have a problem. "

The Board of Directors of the Corey Estates Association issued this statement:

" The Board of Directors of the Cory Estates Association is aware of the request to host We understand that this would require a waiver of all applicable ordinances of the Township of Georgetown as well as a departure from the applicable provisions of the Cory Estates Covenants. weighing the interests of all neighbors in our neighborhood, we have tried to facilitate a manageable solution and maintain a result that reconciles clear and stable expectations for all ins, taking into account specific family demands, mitigating negative impacts on others. and a predictable path for any similar future request. We are looking forward to engaging all the neighbors in this process.

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