Miniature Horses and Individuals with Disabilities
The University of Wyoming is committed to compliance with state and federal laws regarding individuals with disabilities. The University will determine, on a case by case basis, and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, whether a reasonable modification to policies, practices, or procedures should be made to permit the use of a miniature horse by an individual with a disability. While miniature horses are not considered service animals (see Service and Assistance Animal Policy), UW must consider individual requests of this nature.
The miniature horse must be individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of the individual with a disability. Specific assessment factors UW may use to assist in determining whether miniature horses can be accommodated in University facilities include:
a) Whether the miniature horse is housebroken;
b) Whether the miniature horse is under the owner’s control;
c) Whether the facility can accommodate the miniature horse’s type, size, and weight; and
d) Whether the miniature horse’s presence in a specific facility compromises legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation.
The University may also consider whether the presence of the miniature horse, because of its larger size and lower level of flexibility, results in a fundamental alteration to the nature of the programs’ activities, or services provided.
Federal law does not require the individual to provide documentation that a miniature horse has been trained. The University may, however, ask if the miniature horse is required because of a disability, as well as what work or task the miniature horse has been trained to perform. When an individual indicates the desire to have a miniature horse at the University on a recurring basis, the individual should be referred to the contact points listed below. Designated staff in those specified departments will determine, using the assessment factors listed above and in collaboration with UW administration as necessary, whether a reasonable modification to policies, practices or procedures will be made.
Individuals with disabilities shall be permitted to be accompanied by their miniature horses in all University facilities where members of the public, participants in services, programs or activities, or invitees, are allowed to go.
Exceptions
The University may exclude a miniature horse from a University facility and/or from campus if its behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others or when its presence fundamentally alters the nature of a program or activity. Furthermore, the University may ask an individual with a disability to remove a miniature horse from a University facility and/or from campus if the miniature horse is out of control and the individual does not take effective action to control it; or if the miniature horse is not housebroken.
Responsibilities of Individuals with Miniature Horses
The University is not responsible for the care or supervision of a miniature horse. Individuals with disabilities are responsible for the control of their miniature horses at all times and must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including vaccination, licensure, animal health and leash laws. A miniature horse shall be restrained with a harness, leash, or other tether, unless an individual’s disability precludes the use of a restraint or if the restraint would interfere with the miniature horse’s safe, effective performance of work or tasks. If a miniature horse is not tethered, it must be otherwise under the individual’s control, whether by voice control, signals, or other effective means.
Individuals are responsible for ensuring the immediate clean-up and proper disposal of all animal waste. Although the University may not charge an individual with a disability a miniature horse surcharge, it may impose charges for damages caused by a miniature horse in the same manner the University imposes charges for damages caused by individuals.
Requests for use of a miniature horse should be directed as follows:
For students and visitors:
University Disability Support Services, SEO
Room 109, Knight Hall
307 766-6189; 307 766-3073 (TTY)
For employees:
Human Resources
139 Wyoming Hall
307 766-2215
Requests for the use of a miniature horse in University residence halls and apartments should be directed as follows:
Residence Life & Dining Services and University Disability Support Services, SEO
Washakie Center, Lower Level Room 109, Knight Hall
307 766-3175 307 766-6189; 307 766-3073 (TTY)
Residence Life and Dining Services; and University Disability Support Services will collaborate together to review these requests.
