Horse Getting A Lot Of "Nays"
Horse Getting A Lot Of "Nays" Save Email Print
Posted: 11:20 PM Oct 14, 2008
 Last Updated: 12:38 AM Oct 15, 2008
 Reporter: Sherelle Roberts
Email Address: sherelle.roberts@wkyt.com
22 comments
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A group of Central Kentucky neighbors is furious over their neighbors' horse.

The people who live in The Bluegrass Estates Subdivision in Danville says the horse belongs in a barnyard--not the suburbs. One resident is even going as far as to demand that city officials make their neighbors get rid of the animal.

But the miniature horse could be there to stay. The owners, Samuel and Crystal Elam, say they are well within city and state laws to have the horse. Code Enforcement and city officials agree. The only law on the books in Danville pertaining to horses, is an extremely outdated one. It says you can't hitch your horse to a telegraph pole.

City officials say they will consider updating the code pertaining to animals living in residential areas. But Commissioner Gail Louis says officials want to be careful in making the law, because many farmers raise animal within city limits. Commissioners do not want to inhibit anyone's livestock operation.
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Posted by: Sandra Location: Florida on Jan 22, 2009 at 02:13 PM
As a horse owner i have 2 full size horses and i board them at a self care facility,as long as they are taking care of him and cleaning up after him whats the big deal?I have taken care of my horses for years and i know what's best for them,but you would not believe how i still get unsolicited advice telling how to take care of my horses i really have to bite my tongue sometimes and try be polite about it,the most recent eppisode involved another boarder who threatened to call the ASPCA on me because one of my horses was to old to be riden by a small child.I had consulted with my vetrinarian and had said horse looked at and vetrinarian so horse was able to be ridden by an adult or child yet she still thinks it is cruel and has said so.I told her to mind her own beeswax and that i and vetrinarian know what best for my horse and that she persisted i would call barn manager she kept on ,so we now have a new barn rule.YOU TEND TO YOU"RE OWN BUSINESS OR YOU WILL ASKED TO MOVE YOU"RE HORSE.
Posted by: Tony Location: Junction City on Oct 19, 2008 at 07:15 PM
Wow! All of this belly-Aching or a minature pet horse.Ms.Burton you need to get a life or a hobby,or may I suggest mowing the neighbor yards to your standard,i'm sure they want mind.
Posted by: Fed Up in Blue Grass Location: Danville on Oct 18, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Just what we need in our friendly neighborhood - NOT! For the record, read the dictionary: Livestock is the term used to refer to a domesticated animal intentionally reared in an agricultural setting to produce such as food or fiber, or for it's labor. Miniature horses were never bred as livestock, only as pets, however many breeds of dog are bred and registered as livestock but also kept as pets. If the question is whether or not the miniature horse is a household pet or livestock then the answer is simple; miniature horses are and always have been household pets, and furthermore they have far less place on a farm than a dog. A miniature horse is a pet, end of story. On the other hand, a grumpy, always complaining neighbor doesn't belong in a friendly neighborhood. End of story.
Posted by: A fed up neighbor Location: Danville-Blue Grass on Oct 18, 2008 at 08:26 AM
People need to mind their own business and leave good folks alone. I live very close to this family and the only problem about this situation is a nosy and noisy neighbor a few streets away. Ms. Burton has quite a neighborhood reputation of complaining. Boewulf should stay and Ms. Burton should go!
Posted by: Friend and Neighbor Location: Danville-Blue Grass Estates on Oct 18, 2008 at 08:22 AM
As a friend/neighbor, I feel that the facts need to be told. The Elams take very good care of their yard, house and animals. They do not pay a yard service or professional landscaper, but are hard working and spend hours working in their yard-ALL of them! That's right, their children share in the responsibility of caring for the property. We would all do well to follow their example. The children helped build the shelter and fence for Boewolf. Maybe it's not perfect, but it's adequate. It is an electric, movable fence, so that the yard does not become a muddy mess. They checked many times before accepting Boewolf, which by the way, was a gift from grandparents to the children. Ms. Burton lives about a half mile away! I live much closer and feel no threat to my property value, but I do enjoy the Elam children. The little boys are worried that they will lose their pet. I agree with the many good folks who have written: Ms. Burton needs to get a life!
Posted by: Farmer Location: Perry on Oct 17, 2008 at 07:54 PM
I have 21 horses and I do not see any problem with this they do not bark,the neighbor's should be glad these people don't have 21 dogs.
Posted by: Blue Grass Neighbor Location: Danville on Oct 17, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Anonymous is not telling the truth. The owners of this miniature horse have taken good care of their house and spend a lot of time working on their house inside and out. The house was not in good shape when they bought it (I know, it was shown to us by a realtor), and they have made many improvements. They do have a garden, as do others in the neighborhood and which is also within their rights. I was shocked that Ms. Burton took the approach that she did, and am even more shocked by the harrassment that is going on in the neighborhood since her complaint. Whatever happened to being neighborly and just talking to the neighbor to work things out. People never cease to amaze me. Come to think of it, that little horse makes a far better neighbor!!
Posted by: fnord Location: Lexington on Oct 17, 2008 at 05:19 PM
If you don't like their lawn, perhaps you could ask them if you could mow it for them or something -- otherwise, it's not really any of your business.
Posted by: Betty Location: Danville Kentucky on Oct 17, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Why doesn't people mind there own bussiness? Now the busybody is complaining about the neighbors house. Some people live and play in there houses and lawns, at this house I know for a fact, that they have 4 sweet boys which play in the yard and has friends to come and play in the yard with them, the grass is keep moded and cleaned like I said a yard is a play area for play and have fun. The owners of the house you are complaining about are the niceness and sweet people you will every want to meet, The are good with animals, children, and vistors,They always make you fell welcome, So mind your own bussiness, live your boring lives and leave good people along. People know who you are that complaining Doris Burton, get a live, and stop being nosey mind your own bussiness. and if you are going to write a comment use your own name Anomymous. (HUM)
Posted by: John Holmes on Oct 17, 2008 at 08:30 AM
My neighbors used to complain about me too!
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 16, 2008 at 09:51 PM
I am very familiar with this neighborhood and I must say that the pony and it's enclosure doesn't fit with the property or the neighborhood. However, the owners of this property have really let their lawn go and reading about the pony was, sadly, no surprise. This property use to be home to one of the nicest homes in the neighborhood but it is far from it now.
Posted by: kymom Location: lexington on Oct 16, 2008 at 09:21 AM
I just don't understand people who can't be happy just living their own lives! They have to go around and cause conflict all the time and put their nose in other people's business!Whoever complained is nothing but a busybody,grumpy hag that needs to move away and be somewhere all alone where she doesn't have to worry about anyone else! But she still wouldn't be happy because she wouldn't have anyone to dictate! I say make her life miserable until she moves away! If you are completely within the law to have this horse, then I would fight it with all I have! Make her feel like an idiot! I think the horse is cute! I wish my neighbors had one! My kids would love it!
Posted by: equinemedic Location: richmond on Oct 16, 2008 at 09:18 AM
okay, please tell me how that little pony is more disturbing than my neighbor's beethoven st bernard who barks ALL NIGHT LONG and ALL DAY LONG and I've called the police on multiple times because it sits in a cage all the time with no contact, is treated poorly and never shuts up. At least these people are caring for the animal ! I'd much rather have a pony around than that stupid dog - mind you I have 14 horses and 3 dogs of my own ! What's the worst thing that happens if it gets out? It mows your lawn too? Come on people, this is the horse state as long as things are kept neat - GET A LIFE and get a pony yourself - I hear they reduce stress nicely !
Posted by: KYLADY Location: Prestonsburg on Oct 16, 2008 at 09:08 AM
A horse is a horse, they don't do drugs, steal, or abuse anyone. Leave the little horse alone and tell that nosy neighbor to get a life and get over it!
Posted by: Goebel Location: Ky on Oct 16, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Neighbors, tend to your own kids and pets.
Posted by: Zack Location: paris on Oct 16, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Then why dont you all try to make the neighbors with the bad kids and teens have to move? This little horse is not any trouble so ask your self is it busting out windows or stealing no so leave it be.
Posted by: Bill Location: Lexington Ave. on Oct 15, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Must be a nosy neighbor raising a stink as BIG as she is. What a shame, the house is not in estates mentioned and yet the woman wants to enforce her own law. Is this communism or what? Git rid of her not the horse or we all live under her rules.
Posted by: ruby Location: danville, kentucky on Oct 15, 2008 at 10:40 PM
I'm confused is the nosey neighbor complaining about the horse or the fence? I have read about the neighbor complaining about a hideous fence put up for a little horse, and then I read in today's paper about having a little horse in a subbidision area.I understand that the owners of the horse has every right to have the little guy, They are within the law as a home owner to have the pet horse. So what is the problem here in Danville kentucky? Is it the Horse or the fence? If its the fence, why doesn't the nosey neighbor offer to put up a nice fence for the horse lovers. Maybe that what the horse owner can afford as a fence. So nosey neighbor be a Christian and help your neighbor out, isn't that what it all about? Stop complaining and be a good neighbor.
Posted by: Audrey Location: Irvine on Oct 15, 2008 at 05:56 PM
By all means lets not focus on drugs or gangs or violence in our cities, lets worry about our neighbors pets. Lets raise a stink about a horse smaller than the average family dog. He is well taken care of, and loved, so why focus on all the horses standing in fields with no food or water like we saw on the news almost daily last winter. By all means lets harrass this good family who have the nerve to love and care for a pet properly within thier OWN yard. What is WRONG with people? You really should be ashamed, and you really should mind your own P's and Q's. Sounds to me like you have too much time on your hands. Why dont you use your time and energy volunteering at an animal shelter or soup kitchen and leave good folks alone? The fact that the town big wigs are going to revise ordinances for this is ridiculous! There's your tax dollars at work citizens! Please!
Posted by: kathy Location: danville, ky on Oct 15, 2008 at 04:46 PM
I live in the neighborhood where the little horse is, I think its a beautiful animal, and they take care of it, they treat it as part of the family, I have noticed that when no ones there, that the animal is not out. But the only time I see the animal is when they are out in the yard playing with the horse and doing yard work, The yard is always clean and no odor, I bet the nosy neighbors are the ones that let their dogs run through the neighborhoods and devicating everyone's yard,and spreading fleas and diseases to other animals. Come on old grumpy complaining nosy neighbors get a life, this is Kentucky a horse loving state, mind your own business
Posted by: Whitney Location: Lefxington on Oct 15, 2008 at 03:35 PM
Just somebody in other peoples business. I have a big lab thats 140lbs and looks as big as the miniature horse I seen on tv. Get over it and try to have a happy life!!
Posted by: DONNA Location: EASTERN KY on Oct 15, 2008 at 02:53 PM
That is what is wrong with the world today... Too many whiners and people sticking their nose in others business.. This issue is not causing you any grief... you don't have to clean up after the horse or feed it... so just get a life and worry about your own issues.
Posted by: Kerry Location: Danville on Oct 15, 2008 at 02:12 PM
In times like this when we have problems with dope on every corner, Child abuse, and God knows what else. There are people who show up to raise a stink about this family who are doing nothing wrong. Their kids are being taught responsibility in taking care of the animal. I think that’s just great the lady that went before the city commission should have been told to mind her own business. I get so tired of people who want to tell everyone else how to live when they are not doing anything wrong. I say keep the horse and put the snooping neighbor out!!!!!
Posted by: horselady on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Save gas mow the yard with him. City people are so self centered.......Hug a Horse!
Posted by: Judy Location: No. Ky. on Oct 15, 2008 at 09:50 AM
If it is a miniature horse, what is the problem? It isn't any bigger than a large dog. And I am sure it doesn't bark like a large dog would, so that can't be an issue. The children living close probably love having it there. I live in the city and I wouldn't mind at all if one of my neighbors had one or even a full size horse for that matter. As long as they take care of it, have a barn or stable for it and room for it to run. They are one of the sweetest animals. We have too many other problems to be worried about instead of a person keeping a miniature horse.
Posted by: sierra Location: Richmond on Oct 15, 2008 at 08:41 AM
This "horse" is obviously quite small, its not like its a race horse running thru the yard. My question is Are these people taking good care of the horse? Is it in good health? Are they cleaning up after it? If so then the neighbors need to mind their own business. They aren't breaking any laws and aren't hurting anyone. If more people were more concerned with whats going on in their own backyard the world would be a much more peaceful place. These busy body neighbors need to get a life!
Posted by: AMUSED Location: KY on Oct 15, 2008 at 08:41 AM
What is the big deal, as long as he is not eating their dogs. Dogs make more noise than a horse and you wouldn't want to tell people they can't have pets. I love all animals so I don't care who has what as long as they clean up after it. And they probably take better care of the horse than some people do of their dogs and cats.
Posted by: Mohammed Location: Richmond on Oct 15, 2008 at 08:31 AM
The owners of the horse has every right to have the horse in their yard. Good for them.
Posted by: Gale Location: Lancaster on Oct 15, 2008 at 08:01 AM
Whatever happened to neighbors mining their own business. as long as the animal is not borthering anyone or causing a smell and they care for the pony- let someone have the animal. It is no different than some people having these big dogs in their yard. at least it does not bark all night!
Posted by: curious Location: frankfort on Oct 15, 2008 at 07:52 AM
why don't the neighbors live with it. i mean it is one thing if the owners never clean up or take care of the horse. on the other hand if they are taking care of business then i beleive the neighbors should stay out of it. i love the fact that just because you live beside someone you can dictate how they live. if i was the horse owner you better beleive if anything was not the regular at my neighbors i would be the first to call, since they opened the box. if i lived next to these people i would call the police evertime i heard any loud noise or too many vehicles parked in the street. it is those of us who beleive that we can dictate how people live that ends to violence like the guy who gat killed over mowing his yard because his neighbor thought he might have mowed into his property. i would tell these noisy neighbors to get bent and they are lucky the family with the horse isn't a mean family or the could have suffered a different fate. the key is to mind your own business.
Posted by: Lori Location: Lexington on Oct 15, 2008 at 07:48 AM
How in the world is that poor little horse hurting anyone?? I guess people just need something to complain about.
Posted by: WHAT Location: IRVINE on Oct 15, 2008 at 12:26 AM
NOW WAITE A MINUTE, WHEN IT COMES TO A HORSE ALL OF YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE ARE A BLEEDING HEART,SO COME ON DANVILLE, JUST THROW HIM A BIT OF GOOD HAY!!!!!!!!
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