A New Jersey man was seen shopping for groceries with his registered "service animal," this week: a miniature horse. Reportedly, the owner, who wishes to remain unknown, disclosed that the horse helps him with his mobility issues.
As for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), miniature horses are recognized as service animals.
Footage of the same has been doing the rounds online, drawing varied reactions. While some have called his choice of service animal ridiculous, others are gushing over how "cute" the equine is. Here's how one user reacted:
"Nah, get a scooter dude. This is nonsense."
Scores online weighed in:
"I don’t know why I ever pay pet fees for my dog when you got people doing this," one user tweeted.
"How does this help with mobility? He’s not leaning on it lol," another questioned.
"Inside a supermarket seems a bit much," someone else remarked.
"I believe the law literally says dogs and miniature horses (service animals, not emotional support). Would love to know who wrote it," a fourth person joked.
More and more began to jest at the man's expense, while others shared personal anecdotes:
"I would think everyone would want to meet that cute little horse. My school district okay'd them in the classroom but no one ever showed up with one," one shared.
"Wait till someone brings in a 'service bear,'" another joked.
"I’ve had a blind lady with one on a flight. They’re amazing service animals," someone else stated.
"Looks like the supermarket just got a little more 'neigh-borly'!" a user quipped.
Several more pointed out that the owner seemed pretty mobile, and that there was ostensibly no need for a mini horse to be in the supermarket with him. Others cited health concerns.
The owner of the miniature horse threatens to sue all who joke about stealing his service animal
According to the official Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) website,
"A service animal must be a dog and no other species of animal. However, there is a single exception to this rule: miniature horses. To their handlers, service miniature horses can offer important different benefits than those from service dogs."
Furthermore,
"As with their canine counterparts, miniature horses must be individually trained to perform a specific task for a person with a disability. As a service animal, a miniature horse has the right to accompany their handler in public places covered by the ADA."
As reported by the New York Post, the man wasn't too happy with catching the internet's eye:
"I really don’t like the attention I am receiving, and I am trying to get (a video circulating on social media) down. People have been commenting they are going to steal the horse. I am going to have to take legal action.”
He revealed that he and his horse are no strangers to the Woodbridge stores like ShopRite and Lowe's.
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The 15-second clip has gone viral on social media, generating over 624,000 views and 29,000 likes on TikTok alone.
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