Rochester, MN  (KROC AM News) - A Rochester therapist has been given the green light to begin using chickens for his practise.

Anthony Perno submitted the request last week and it was approved at Monday’s City Council meeting.

Perno already has three hens, which is the maximum amount allowed under the city’s ordinance. But the city ordinance does allow up to 12 chickens for “educational and instructional activity.” Perno has indicated he wants to get five more chickens that he would “use as a form of therapy for individuals attempting to overcome trauma.”

The licensed social worker says he got the idea from a workshop he attended at the University of Minnesota.

Perno says his neighbors are cool with the plan.

According to a 2016 hobbyfarms.com article, health issues ranging from depression to end of life care can benefit from "the presence of animals, including chickens."

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