COSHOCTON, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio Army veteran who says his pet ducks help relieve his post-traumatic stress disorder and depression has been convicted of a minor misdemeanor for keeping them.

Darin Welker was cited for violating a ban on keeping farm animals in West Lafayette, a village 80 miles east of Columbus. He was found guilty Wednesday and was fined $50 plus court costs.

A prosecutor says the ordinance is clear and the judge’s hands were tied.

The Coshocton Tribune (http://ohne.ws/1vhBXZY ) reports Welker recently gave away eight of the ducks but still has six.

Welker argued for a change in the law. He said in court the ducks are fenced in his yard but sometimes have been in his house or sitting on a recliner.

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Information from: Coshocton Tribune, http://www.coshoctontribune.com

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