Three Amish set for trial after refusing to use manure-collecting basket for their horses

KENTUCKY -- Clara Mast, an Amish woman, was cited recently in the city of Auburn for violating the animal ordinance.

Mast will be joining two other Amish individuals who were recently found guilty by a jury in Logan County District Court for the same infraction. She is scheduled to appear in court May 27 at 1 p.m. unless she pays the $50 fine associated with the violation.

 

 

 Amos Mast and his son, Dan Mast, were both cited for not following the ordinance in January and demanded a trial by jury when they refused to pay the accompanying $50 fine. They were both found guilty by a jury April 6 and ordered to pay the fine plus court costs by June 25 or be in contempt of court and face jail time.

Both men said they were not going to pay the fine because they didn’t want to set precedent by using the collection devises. Amos said he had spoken with several other Amish communities who told him not to do it because then the English would eventually make all Amish do it.

Amos told the ND&L he felt this was just another action against the Amish, and felt like there would be more and more. “We consider ourselves to be a non-resistant people,” he said.

If Clara Mast refuses to pay the fine, she will then begin the judicial process just as Amos and Dan Mast did. She will have the opportunity to pay or seek a jury trial. If she is found guilty, she will still be required to pay the fine plus court costs or face jail time.

This is what the collection device looks like

“We are enforcing the laws in Auburn, not only for the Amish, but for everyone,” said Auburn Police Chief Larry Jones.

Jones had testified at the trial of Amos and Dan Mast saying the streets were a little better, but there was still horse manure present.

During a pre-trial conference Jones brought with him a collection devise that was Amish made and would not touch the horse, but hang from the wagon. Amos refused to look at it and instead asked for the jury trial.

The City of Auburn amended its animal ordinance to include collection devises when they couldn’t get the Amish to clean up after themselves. The problem had been going on for over four years before the council decided enough was enough.

Police officers' horses wear them

The ordinance reads: "No person should allow an animal under his or her control to be upon public property, including streets within the city limits of Auburn, or upon the property of another, absent the consent of the owner or occupant of the property, without some device for the removal and/or containment of the animals excrement; nor shall any person fail to remove any excrement deposited by any animal under his or her control on public or private property. This action shall not apply to guide dogs under control of a blind person."

A properly fitted collection device shall be securely placed on all horses or other large animals while such animals are on the street within the city limits of Auburn. The sole exception of this requirement shall be for special events when cleanup crews are provided as part of the event.

(News Democrat leader - May 21, 2015)