A Newton resident is contesting a city decision that prohibits her from keeping a miniature horse in her backyard, citing zoning rules and neighbor complaints about odors and occasional escapes. Judy Hinchey, who lives in the Auburndale neighborhood, has sought permission to keep her mini horse, Clover, on her property as part of a therapeutic practice she aims to establish.

Hinchey purchased Clover, a certified therapy horse, last year after volunteering with groups bringing therapeutic animals to schools and rehabilitation centers. She received approval from city officials to build a stall and enclosures in her backyard. However, the Newton Public Health Department denied her application for an animal license, asserting that her property does not meet requirements regarding the distance between animal manure storage and neighboring properties. According to city regulations, manure must be stored at least 100 feet from property lines and 50 feet from any dwelling unit, rules written with full-sized horses in mind.

Hinchey contends these rules are not applicable to miniature horses, pointing out that Clover, who stands 28.5 inches tall and weighs 165 pounds, produces significantly less waste than a full-sized horse. She has taken measures to control odor, such as confining Clover to a dirt lot after the horse was overeating grass and rigorously cleaning manure multiple times a day, storing it in a sealed barrel treated with an odor-neutralizing chemical. Hinchey maintains that visitors do not detect any manure smell in her yard.

Neighbors have expressed differing views. Some praise Hinchey’s compliance efforts and her bond with Clover, describing the horse as a beloved local fixture. Others have raised concerns about manure odors and noted that Clover has occasionally escaped her enclosure and entered adjacent properties. One resident, Oksana Maiorova, said while the smell isn’t constant, it sometimes drifts over property lines, affecting her ability to enjoy outdoor spaces. Maiorova indicated she would not oppose Clover’s presence if odor issues can be fully controlled.

During a recent Newton Public Health Board hearing, city officials declined to allow public comment and have suggested that an inspection would be conducted to assess odor complaints, although Hinchey’s attorney argued at the hearing that no such inspection had occurred. The attorney further challenged the Health Department’s interpretation of the regulations as improperly applied to a miniature horse.

Hinchey, a vascular neurologist who recently stepped down from her position directing a stroke center to pursue therapeutic work with Clover, described the city’s handling of her case as frustrating and costly. She expressed concern that the denial could force her to leave Newton despite her long-standing ties to the community. The Health and Human Services commissioner declined to comment due to the ongoing appeal process.

The board has yet to issue a ruling on Hinchey’s appeal, leaving the future of Clover’s residency in Newton unresolved.