SCOTCH PLAINS – A Township homeowner’s request to retain 40 pigeons on his property was rejected last week by the Zoning Board of Adjustment to keep 40 homing pigeons as service animals to help him with his mental health conditions of depression and anxiety. After hearings on the matter were postponed in March and April, the Board’s 90minute hearing kicked off with Mr. Szewc’s attorney, Ted Sliwinski, stating that his client was being “unduly punished” by needing to seek a variance because “pigeons are customary pets around the world,” including in Mr. Szewc’s native country of Poland. BoardAttorney Vince Loughlin interrupted Mr. Sliwinski to tell him he was being “argumentative” because a variance was necessary and that his remarks were “not really helpful to your client.” Later, Mr. Sliwinski said that “citizens have a right to have pets that are not cats and dogs,” adding that his client would be “heartbroken” if not allowed to keep the birds.