Maine's Metal Roosters Promote Autism Awareness Amid Zoning Dispute

WHO:

ABC News - David and Sara LeBlanc are the parents of a 6-year-old autistic girl named Pyper.

ABC News - Tyler McOsker is a code enforcement officer involved in the zoning dispute.

ABC News - Jay Smith is a board member of the zoning board who expressed frustration during discussions.

WHAT:

ABC News - Giant metal roosters, approximately 6 feet tall (1.8 meters), are being displayed in support of Pyper.

ABC News - The LeBlancs initially faced a $450 fine and an order to remove all unpermitted signage, including rooster statues.

ABC News - The zoning board granted a disability variance allowing the LeBlancs to keep two roosters for Pyper's access to their home.

ABC News - The couple has been fined an additional $500 for noncompliance with the town's regulations.

WHERE:

ABC News - The events are taking place in Ogunquit, Maine, and the roosters have spread to locations as far as New Zealand.

WHEN:

ABC News - The zoning board discussed the issue in June.

ABC News - A local weekly newspaper published an article in May 2025 that described the roosters as a way to announce the opening of The Omelette Factory.

WHY:

ABC News - The LeBlancs created the rooster display to comfort their daughter Pyper, who has autism.

ABC News - The town deemed the roosters as advertising for The Omelette Factory, which led to the zoning dispute.

HOW:

ABC News - The LeBlancs initially resisted the town's removal order but later reached an agreement to keep two roosters.

ABC News - The family has given roosters to others to promote autism acceptance, starting with a man named Sam who lives nearby.

(UPDATED July 24, 2026 01:31 UTC)

In Ogunquit, Maine, David and Sara LeBlanc are displaying giant metal roosters, each about six feet tall, to support their six-year-old autistic daughter, Pyper. Initially facing a $450 fine and an order to remove all unpermitted signage, the zoning board has since granted a disability variance allowing the family to keep two roosters for Pyper's access to their home, although they have incurred an additional $500 fine for noncompliance. The LeBlancs have also shared their roosters with others to promote autism acceptance, starting with a local resident named Sam.