A Miniature Horse used as a service animal is at the center of a lawsuit involving the city of Blue Ash, Ohio; a disabled child; and a fair housing organization.

Elizabeth Brown, executive director of Cincinnati, Ohio-based Housing Opportunities Made Equal, said the agency, along with Ingrid Anderson, filed a federal lawsuit against the Blue Ash on Feb. 18 on grounds that the city violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by classifying a Miniature Horse belonging to Anderson's daughter as livestock. Under ADA rules, a trained service horse can be used as an alternative to service dogs in situations where the use of equids would be appropriate.

Brown said the case involves a 13-year-old girl with multiple illnesses who uses the animal to get exercise and spend time outdoors.

“The child uses the horse like a live walker,” Brown said. “She is also unable to get up unless the horse is standing there