• Welcome to The Building Code Forum

    Your premier resource for building code knowledge.

    This forum remains free to the public thanks to the generous support of our Sawhorse Members and Corporate Sponsors. Their contributions help keep this community thriving and accessible.

    Want enhanced access to expert discussions and exclusive features? Learn more about the benefits here.

    Ready to upgrade? Log in and upgrade now.

It's a horse, of course

Plans Approver

Silver Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2009
Messages
211
Location
Northeastern Ohio
You will want to be aware of this provision of the new ADA. Not so much for enforcement, but, in case someone shows up at your city hall with one or you get a complaint from the community-at-large. What about the domestic animal provisions of the zoning code?

35.136 Service animals

(i) Miniature horses.

(1) Reasonable modifications. A public entity shall make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures to permit the use of a miniature horse by an individual with a disability if the miniature horse has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of the individual with a disability.

(2) Assessment factors. In determining whether reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures can be made to allow a miniature horse into a specific facility, a public entity shall consider—

(i) The type, size, and weight of the miniature horse and whether the facility can accommodate these features;

(ii) Whether the handler has sufficient control of the miniature horse;

(iii) Whether the miniature horse is housebroken; and

(iv) Whether the miniature horse's presence in a specific facility compromises legitimate safety requirements that are necessary for safe operation.

© Other requirements. Paragraphs 35.136 © through (h) of this section, which apply to service animals, shall also apply to miniature horses.
http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleII_2010/titleII_2010_integrated.htm
 
Service horses - those miniature horses being discussed - must be accommodated if the person needs it for assistance if possible. The rule indicates that there may be reasons for not allowing access for the miniature horse. Consider the width of the animal and its ability to negotiate through aisles in novelty shops. Also consider the potential sight line issues in assembly occupancies. However, if the horse can perform tasks or assist in stability for a person there is reason to make the accommodations.

Horse live a lot longer than dogs. By the time a dog is trained, it has only a few years of serviceability before being "put out to pasture." Horses live longer. A single service horse can be useful for as long as three or four service dogs. Besides the horses, there are not many service animals allowed to be granted this provision. Basically, its a dog. . . or in special cases, a small horse.
 
Back
Top