Beloved Louisville mini horse allowed to stay in neighborhood after ordinance resolution

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A resolution was reached Wednesday for the owner of a popular Louisville mini horse, who will be allowed to stay at his home.

Susan Bruner's case was dismissed after the city said she was in violation of a new ordinance requiring mini horses to have at least one acre of land.

Bandit has been a part of the Meriwether neighborhood's community for 14 years, since he was a foal. But because of a recent change to city law, he was about to be forced out of his home.

In October, Metro Council passed an ordinance primarily aimed at requiring cats and dogs to be microchipped.

However, further into the legislation, ponies and miniature horses were added to the list of animals required to be kept on at least one acre of land or more — the same requirement as full-sized horses in Louisville. Bandit currently lives on about 0.2 acres. 

But after public outcry, Louisville leaders will recommend a change to a new city ordinance that will allow a beloved miniature horse to stay at his home near Germantown.

Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell, D-15, who sponsored the ordinance, said she was not aware of how the provision involving miniature horses was added.

Chappell is now working with Metro Animal Services to add language to the ordinance that would grandfather in animals like Bandit.