Todd Combs, a U.S. Army combat veteran, and his family in Kettering, Ohio, are facing an unjust threat to their beloved pet fowl. The family has 18 hens – no roosters – which they keep as pets and companions, not for food production Due to allergies, they cannot have traditional pets like dogs or cats, so their pet fowl provide comfort and companionship. Despite this, the City of Kettering has cited them for a zoning violation, claiming their pet fowl violate the local code under Section 1139.04-6. 

However, the city’s zoning code actually permits “pet fowl”, there is no ordinance prohibiting the keeping of hens as pets. This case is about more than just pet fowl – it’s about human respect. The right to keep pets that bring joy, companionship, and comfort should not be stripped away by vague or misinterpreted codes. 

The Combs family’s fight is a call for fairness, personal freedoms, and respect for families who choose to have pets that contribute to their happiness and well-being.

Update: Todd Combs Case – A Veteran’s Fight for His Rights 

After a six month battle with the City of Kettering, veteran Todd Combs has been forced to rehome his beloved hens, which served as emotional support animals for his PTSD. Despite obtaining proper Emotional Support Animal (ESA) documentation, the City denied his accommodation request and refused to recognize his right to keep his emotional support animals. 

In Todd’s own words:
“After a six month battle, I was very hardened to realize it does not matter what the actual code or law says. My city government took away my rights to own household pet fowl. I appreciate the support You Are The Power gave me. It is hard to win anything when this system is rigged against you.” 

Todd’s case shows a troubling truth. Local governments sometimes use their authority to harm the very people they are supposed to serve. In this case, a veteran who relied on his hens for emotional stability and support was denied even the most basic recognition of his rights. The City admitted on record that a chicken is a fowl and acknowledged the classifications in its own ordinances. Even then, his rights were ignored. 

Todd told us:
“When the city looked at numerous court rulings, they did not care about this veteran’s rights. I am just happy that I was able to get my flock of hens into a good home.” 

Todd may not have been able to keep his hens, but your support made a tremendous difference. It gave him the strength, confidence, and encouragement to stand up to the City and fight for his rights. His courage reminds us of why we do this work and why the mission of You Are The Power is so important. 

Thank you for supporting Todd and for continuing to stand with people who are mistreated or ignored by their governments. Together, we will keep fighting for those who cannot fight alone. 

You Are The Power.