Boy With Cerebral Palsy Almost Loses His Pony

Sam Spiteri, a 3-year-old Canadian boy with cerebral palsy has developed a close bond with his miniature pony, Emily, who he’s been riding since he was an infant. That is why Sam’s parents were so concerned when authorities from Caledon, the small Ontario town in which they live, looked as though they might force the Spiteris to get rid of Emily after receiving a complaint from one of their neighbors.

Neighbor Complained about Boy’s Pony

The problem started when one of the Spiteri’s neighbors complained to town authorities that the smell of Emily was “offensive.”

As a result, the town’s bylaw enforcement manager informed the Spiteris they could not keep Emily on their land due to zoning regulations that prohibited having livestock.

Pony Intended as Therapy

The Spiteris were determined to keep Emily, who they considered to be a part of their family. They asserted that because the pony was intended as a form of cerebral palsy therapy for Sam, she should not be defined as livestock.

According to the Ontario Cerebral Palsy Foundation, riding therapy:

• Improves balance
• Improves co-ordination
• Improves strength and muscle tone
• Gently mobilizes joints

Since Sam has been participating in riding therapy, his family has seen an improvement in his posture.

Hippotherapy

Riding therapy, technically called hippotherapy, is a relatively new treatment for those with cerebral palsy. The act of riding a horse stimulates many of the body's systems while also helping cerebral palsy patients to develop strength in the body's core muscle groups.

Town Leaders Asked to Have Compassion

Sam’s mother asked town leaders and its committee of adjustment to show compassion when considering the application of their zoning and livestock regulations.

"Where healthy children have running, playing, and all the carefree happiness of a normal childhood, my son has his horse," she told them.

"You have the authority to help Sam. Don't mark my Christmas season by taking away my son's Christmas smile," she added.

Boy Allowed to Keep His Pony

On Wednesday afternoon, the town ruled that Sam and his family would be allowed to keep Emily.

"The town and staff have been very compassionate because we're a compassionate community," said Mayor Marilyn Morrison. "Caledon cares."

(Source: Yahoo News)

Do you have a family member living with cerebral palsy? If so, contact a cerebral palsy attorney for more information and resources regarding your legal rights.