A Rye Brook family received the OK to raise chickens as pets following an appeal to amend the village’s ‘no farm animal’ law.

Jake Dolce tells News 12 he grew up with chickens in Harrison and dreamed of the same experience for his kids.

Pancake, Dolce’s chicken, has been living large in a souped-up coop for the past five years in Rye Brook.

"Pancake is one of our original birds,” says Dolce. “Spoiled chickens lay better eggs.”

Dolce believes chickens are great for development and offer a sense of responsibility.

He currently cares for six hens. "It's mostly easy because they bring joy to you, and it's just fun caring for them,” says Dolce.

However, when he became aware of Rye Brook’s "No Farm Animal" law, he decided to appeal to modify the ordinance.

"We took it very seriously. We didn't just say, hey we want to have chickens, we made a pretty strong case as to why we should have chickens and raise them as pets,” says Dolce.

He was able to make a winning pitch. The village agreed to give the family an exception and modify the law, allowing them a maximum of six chickens.

Rye Brook Mayor Paul Rosenberg commends the Dolces for doing a good job with the presentation.

“They truly explained to us and made us understand why these weren't just chickens. These are pets," says Rosenberg.

News 12 is told the chicken coop is on an acre of land and offers no disturbance.

"They stay on the property. Believe it or not, this is their home. They always come back here,” says Dolce.