Newton officials have upheld the denial of Judy Hinchey’s permit to keep Clover, her miniature horse, at her Auburndale property. The ruling says the property does not meet manure-storage requirements and orders Clover removed by Oct. 19, 2026, according to The Boston Globe and WCVB.
The code question
After a Sept. 16 hearing, Newton Director of Public Health Services Lisa Heyer ruled that Clover falls under the city’s “Large Animal” category because she is a horse. WCVB reported that the written decision says the property cannot meet the rules for large animals; The Globe reported that the regulations do not set a size-based exception for horses.
Those rules require manure storage to be at least 100 feet from property lines and 50 feet from a dwelling, WCVB reported. The Globe reported that the decision treated manure-odor concerns as immaterial to the permit determination and said a site visit was not needed to assess the application or appeal.
A dispute over the structure and approvals
Hinchey has argued that Clover is kept in a single stall or shelter, not a stable subject to the same requirements. WCVB reported that the decision says keeping one horse in a stall does not exempt the property from the manure-storage rules. Fig City News reported that the city had classified the structure as a stable under its animal-keeping regulations.
Hinchey has also argued that Newton’s rules should distinguish a miniature horse from a full-size horse. The Globe reported that she cited other Massachusetts localities that make such distinctions, while state law recognizes miniature horses as livestock. WCVB reported that Hinchey said she received other city approvals before building the shelter.
Hinchey invested roughly $100,000 in the stall and enclosure, according to WCVB and The Globe. The Globe reported that city health officials took more than a year to decide her application. The decision followed the Sept. 16 appeal hearing.
Complaints and possible next steps
WCVB reported that neighbors filed 10 complaints about manure odor. Hinchey said she took steps to address it; Fig City News reported that she moved Clover to a dry lot and collects and stores the manure herself.
Hinchey is considering a lawsuit, according to The Globe, which reported that a court challenge could allow Clover to remain at the property longer while the case proceeds. WHDH also reported that Hinchey said she was planning to take the dispute to court. The Globe reported that a city spokesperson did not return its request for comment.
