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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 5 Mayor Harpstead asked Ms. Linders if she knew anyone who had only one miniature horse and how an individual horse would feel about being alone in the back yard. Ms. Linders replied there would be plenty of space and it would be happy. Mayor Harpstead asked if she had spoken to neighbors and asked how they would felt about a miniature horse in the neighborhood. Ms. Linders replied she had not. Councilmember Holmes stated she was not sure if one miniature horse could fit on a third of an acre. She referenced an article in the Star Tribune that stated this is not enough room. Ms. Linders commented Eleanor Mondale stated it should be large enough for one miniature horse. Mayor Harpstead stated he found lots of information on miniature horses on the internet. He stated the information indicated one must remember it is a horse and has all the same needs of a full sized horse. He referenced an article about horses that live alone. He explained that because horses are social animals, they become depressed and inactive if they are not with other horses. He stated that when he thought about his decision he had to consider Ms. Linder's wants, the neighbor's concerns, and the needs ofthe horse. Councilmember Holden asked how the height of a horse is measured. Ms. Linders replied from the ground to its withers. Councilmember Holden asked if she knew of other communities that allowed miniature horses as domestic animals. Ms. Linders she did not. Councilmember McClung thanked Ms. Linders for coming to the Council with her request. He stated his concern is that if a miniature horse is approved in this case, other types of animals not considered as domestic animals would come forward with a similar request. Councilmember Holden asked what Ms. Linders exposure has been to miniature horses and what she has learned about them. Ms. Linders replied she attends horse camp every year and decided on a miniature horse because it is expensive to board a regular horse. She stated she performed different chores at camp and learned such things as brushing, care of the hooves, and other information about miniature horses. Councilmember Grant stated he grew up on a large farm with horses and understands they need room. He stated a miniature horse needs about an acre of space. He questioned City Planner Lehnhoff about the Zoning Code. City Planner Lehnhoff explained the Zoning Code is specific about setbacks for a barn for farm animals. MOTION: Mayor Harpstead moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to Deny a Request to Classify Miniature Horses as Domestic Animals as Defined in the Zoning Code.