We the undersigned are contacting you to support a pending matter before you for consideration.
Three-year-old resident Sam Spiteri was born with a form of cerebral palsy that makes it hard for him to do ordinary tasks such as walk, hold toys, eat or speak. Sam has been riding his miniature pony, "Emily", since he was an infant.
We understand that a complaint has been made about the animal and is now being handled to determine whether keeping Emily violates existing zoning of the Spiteris' property, that of "rural-residential", which prohibits the "keeping of livestock".
We support the Spiteri family and believe Emily shouldn't be classified as livestock because she was bought as a form of therapy for children with disabilities.
We understand your duties to uphold the laws of your jurisdiction, provided, however we strongly urge you to view this situation as the special one that it is for the Spiteri family and for thousands of families like them. The utilization of a single pony for medical pet therapy for disabled children is a far cry from operating a livestock farm, bringing this situation well outside of the public policy intended for the zoning.
We urge you to take special consideration for the handicapped and a child%u2019s love for his companion pet, and support a finding that this little boys pet therapy be allowed to continue to brighten and improve his life and welfare on his behalf and on behalf of disabled children everywhere.
Thank You For Your Consideration
