[lovsthosebigdogs]

I also saw this piece on the news and wondered if the family had considered that it might be the bond of the child with a living, nonthreatening animal that was working, not just the bond of the boy with just chickens. I think they should see if they could substitute another animal that might be acceptable, like maybe a bunny (if zoning allows) or a dog that would be an affectionate companion. I am a former special education teacher and I have worked with autistic children as well as having used my own dogs in a therapy dog capacity to work with children and adults with disabilities. Animals can often reach a spot that people can not. I am not sure it has to ONLY be a chicken.