Image courtesy of Metro Creative Connection.

NAPPANEE — The LaGrange County Commissioners have turned down requests for an ordinance requiring horses to wear manure collection bags.

According to reports by the Goshen News, the meeting only lasted about 10 minutes and the decision was unanimous. During that time, Commissioner Terry Martin reported testing one of the bags on a local Amish horse and finding that, when full, it put a strain on the animal’s head by pulling back on the harness system.

Ink Free News reporter, Alyssa Richardson, contacted Nappanee Common Council member and Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jeff Kitson to find out what the local sentiment is in that area pertaining to the Amish and their horses.

Kitson said that, overall, Nappanee appreciates its Amish population and the business they bring to the community and that he did not feel manure on the roads was a major issue in the area.

“We live together, work together, shop together,” Kitson said.

Nappanee Mayor Larry Thompson made a brief statement on the use of manure collection bags.

“It does frustrate some people in our area,” he said. “But at this time, I would not be in favor of it.”