MARLINTON, W.Va. — Marlinton council members aren’t horsing around with an ordinance that would require horse owners to put diapers on their animals when they are on town property.
Mayor Joe Smith said the Pocahontas County town currently requires horse owners to immediately pick up droppings or put diapers on their horses, but he admitted that doesn’t always happen.
“Last July during one of our festivals, there was a horse that was in the crowd. The owner did not attempt” to clean up the mess, Smith said. “There were several complaints about it and the council decided to look at (the ordinance).”
That led to a proposed zero-tolerance policy. The ordinance calls for all horses to wear diapers whether they are in parades, on display at festivals or giving rides. If they are on public property, a diaper is required. Offenders face a first-time fine of $100 that increases with each additional offense.
“We’re not banning horses from the town. We’re just saying their droppings need to be cleaned up off the public areas,” said Smith.
The mayor sounded confident most residents will like the plan.
“Personally, I think they’re going to be pleased with it because there won’t be any droppings for kids to be walking in or people to be walking in.”
The town council meets again Nov. 3 when members will vote for a second and final time on the ordinance.