Members of the Oxford Horse and Livestock Association (OHLA) are opposed to a draft regulation that would govern animal cleanliness and the removal of manure.
The proposed zoning amendment was written in response to complaints from residents about manure odors emanating from horse properties and composting practices, town officials said.
More than 60 OHLA members packed a public hearing on the proposed regulation last Thursday in front of the Planning and Zoning Commission. They said they are already governed by state regulations concerning animals and livestock.
The town has received 18 complaints this year from residents about odors emanating from horse properties, according to Anna Silva, the town’s zoning enforcement officer.
“Based on those complaints I asked the town planner for regulations that would work for everybody and the commission,” Silva said.
Brian Miller, the town planner, drafted a few paragraphs stating that “animals should be kept clean and sanitary and comply to health standards and regulations.”
The proposed amendment also states that “manure from the animals shall be periodically removed and or treated” and that the animal’s owner should be prepared to present a copy “of the procedures being used” to the town’s zoning enforcement officer, if requested.
The proposed regulation should not be considered because it violates the state’s “Right to Farm Law,” said Dorothy Askinoras Valle, OHLA’s co-president.
The right to farm law protects farms from being deemed a nuisance due to odors from manure.
Vallee said manure management is already covered under state law. She asked that the amendment be revised to reflect that statute.
“The Department of Agriculture already has resources available for Oxford,” she said.
Resident Rae Hodgson said she was concerned about the town’s zoning enforcement officer taking charge of specific best management practices.
“This should not be the burden of the ZEO or anyone in the town,” she said. “There is already a system in place that would work very well.”
The public hearing will continue at the Nov. 15 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
Vinny Vizzo, the commission’s chairman, asked the OHLA leaders to provide their names and phone numbers so the town could consult with them as the process moves forward.
