Ohio veteran cited for having therapeutic ducks has hearing postponed

COSHOCTON, Ohio (AP) — A court hearing is postponed for an Army veteran cited for violating an Ohio village ban by keeping pet ducks that he says help relieve his post-traumatic stress disorder.

Darin Welker and his attorney say today's hearing was postponed while West Lafayette officials consider negotiating a new ordinance covering therapeutic animals.

Welker says his 14 ducks are therapeutic. He was cited for violating a ban on keeping farm animals in the village about 80 miles east of Columbus.

The mayor, council members and solicitor didn’t immediately return calls. Coshocton Municipal Court clerk’s officials confirm the hearing is continued for 60 days.

Welker wanted the hearing even after a stranger from Pennsylvania paid his fine. Welker says he’s hoping for a new law that would let him keep the ducks.