Re: What qualifies a pet as a - Landlord Forum thread 324582

Re: What qualifies a pet as a by Kim (WV) on September 17, 2014 @01:26

Mr.Dan is 99% correct. However, there has been one slight change to what qualifies as a service animal...

" the new ADA regulations contain a specific provision which covers miniature horses. Businesses must 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."

I know, insane, right? But some states (IL) recognize miniature horses as service animals. And now the ADA covers them too. Here's a quote from the Huffington Post about the law (which passed in 2012) :

"Per the new law, HB 3826, the horses may be trained to aid its user for any sort of disability, whether it be physical, mental or intellectual, and will be able to go anywhere a service dog is allowed.

In May, the bill was approved by the Illinois Senate amid the concern of some legislators that miniature horses could prove distracting in schools. In early June, the bill was almost unanimously approved by the state House.

Miniature horses were already approved for service use by federal law, but state law did not specifically grant them access to schools and businesses."

The wiki for miniature horses notes " There is controversy over whether miniature horses are suitable as assistance animals for persons with disabilities. Those who favor their use point out that horses live much longer than dogs and can be trained to perform similar tasks. Another plus is that some individuals, particularly from Muslim cultures, consider dogs unclean, but accept horses."

There is one city in Ohio (Blue Ash) being sued over the issue. I can't imagine being required to accept a tenant with one. Probably I won't have to, because all my SFH rental houses are in town, have smallish lots, AND the city ordinances specifically prohibit having horses in town. But who knows? The day may come....

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