Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
“THE ORDINANCE SAYS there are no ducks, then there are no ducks.”
That was the simple argument used by prosecutors in a county court in Ohio this week before a war veteran was found guilty of keeping farm animals illegally.
Darin Welker was fined $50 for violating an ordinance by keeping 14 ducks at his home in Coshocton.
Local media report that the ducks were helping the 36-year-old veteran cope with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
He had developed the problems after serving in Iraq in 2005.
His wife told the Coshocton Tribune that they “boost his spirits” and that he is happier and “laughs easier”.
He has also taken less medication and needs fewer visits to his psychiatrist since he began raising them as ducklings.
But Welker is left with little options now after the court ruled against him.
Laws in Coshocton state that no farm animals (which includes ducks) can be kept within the village limits. The prosecutor in court yesterday also noted that no federal law can override this village ordinance.
“Your hands are tied,” he told the judge, despite the fact that the ducks are registered as emotional support animals on a national level and that no neighbours have complained.
The judge ruled that the laws about farm animals “make sense” and that Welker should pay the fine and court costs.
Eight of the ducks have already been given away but his plans for the remaining birds are unclear.
Contains reporting by AP
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
One of a parents most important first job is to give their child a name. It is the longest lasting gift we give or receive. It is known of us long before we know it ourselves and known to others long after we pass.
Your folks didn’t have a lot of time for you so Hairy
My dad was hairy onion… my mum was hairy bits…. what you saying??? !
It must be easier for Coca-Cola selling bottles with names in the Middle-East. I’d say 80% of the bottles have Mohammed on them. Then just throw in a few Mahmoods, Ahmeds and Abdullahs and you’re sorted!
I’d imagine Irish women will change those statistics in the future, with the likes of Mercedes and Destiny being the norm now.
Dont forget Khaleesi and Skylar
Don’t forget Sapphire
I work in childcare for 10yrs. I’ve never met a Mercedes or Destiny or anything like that. What I have noticed is classic older style names.
People who call their children Destiny and Mercedes don’t avail of childcare, no need, they don’t work. That’s why you probably haven’t come across them.
Seriously could you be more idiotic please. I know your just trolling but come on.
And the twins Dolce and Gabbana
“All gods children”
fact.
I’m completely serious! How is stating the obvious trolling?
I’m sorry Linda. I just assumed such a silly, ignorant view was someone trying to get someone’s back up. Also since becoming a stay at home myself I’ve met plenty of unemployed parents who’s childrens’ name choices are the exact same as employed parents. I’m sorry if I’m take it too seriously but I find it exceedingly ignorant to assume because a parent is from a lower income/disadvantaged background their more likely to give their child a name like Mercedes etc.
I have never said all parents who do not work call their children silly names like that. I’m talking about career doers who watch ridiculous programmes like TOWIE and Jeremy Kyle all day. I work in the fiels and I meet them everyday
Or Nevaeh (heaven spelt backward). Why would you do that?
In Sweden they have a naming law where a government agency has to approve the name you give your child. I think it’s a great idea.
Except it would likely be decided by an out of touch public servant and wouldn’t have an appeals process….
Sorry. … I’ll get my coat…
Yes we have that here too and there is a banned name list
True
Mine means ruler of the world…it’s stayin’!…
As a fellow Donal I must admit I did not know that.
#factoftheday
It’s worth rememberin’ Donal!…
hmmm, I’m surprised I didn’t know that
It means the bald one!
We’re talkin’ first names here!!…
Ok,bald ruler of the world! X
That’ll do!!…
Ok
My friends call me dick, but I’m not sure why!
#DenialIsn’tJustARiverInAfrica
I think you’re parents were very cynical, Dick…
Dick is the ruler of every guys world.
Dara is a girls name however I am a male… Drama every day as I life outside Ireland! Oh well..
Well Dara! How’s Singapore treating you? Mickio misses the business :)
Well Dara! Haven’t seen ya in seven years! Mickio misses the business from ya!
Era sure another comment for the craic.
Feel their name reflects their personality… wtf sort of bulls**t notion is that?
You don’t feel like an Alan then?
He looks like an Alan
I’m Christian, in name only…
My name is Mud,
But call me Alowishus Devadander Abercrombie
That’s long for Mud, so I’ve been told.
Should have gone with the South Park theme.
Mr and Mrs Cirtain, don’t call the little girl Annette !
Only when I moved to America did I realise that no one had heard of my name or can pronounce it! When I was opening my first bank account in America the financial advisor was asking me were my name was from, I told her I was thinking of shortening it to clo or cloey just for convenience, she told me not to as she give her daughter a Nigerian name as that was her culture and people kept asking why didn’t she didn’t give her daughter an “American” easy to understand name and her response was well no one could say barrack Obamas name till he became famous! So keep your name and be proud of it!
Next Survay — Who are the biggest Liars in Europe?
Or the worst at spelling.
Two boys in my daughters daycare called Ryott and Onyx. Met a little girl at the weekend called Rizzy. When i asked about her unusual name, I was told it was short for Charisma. Can only surmise that these parents hate their children.
You can’t get “Jim” on coke bottles. But you can get “Agnieszka”. So basically I wouldn’t trust any study on indigenous names that coke did.
Alright Mud, Primus fan eh?
I despise my name…..passionately
have your say