September 10, 2008

A Trenton, N.J., man is defending his right to keep horses in his backyard. (Pet Pulse Photo Illustration by Mike Lloyd)

TRENTON, N.J. -- The city of Trenton doesn't permit residents to keep horses on their property, but that hasn't stopped one horse-loving man.

The resident, who goes by the name of Emperor El Bey, has housed two horses in his backyard for several months.

El Bey says that he is a member of the Abannaki Aboriginal Nation of Murs, a sovereign American Indian tribe, and that he doesn't have to subscribe to the laws of New Jersey--or of the United States.

According to The Times of Trenton, El Bey's neighbors were bothered by the horses' odor and contacted Trenton' Department of Health.

Trenton has issued El Bey a 10-day warning, which expires today, to remove the horse from his property.

If El Bey does not comply, the issue might be taken up in courts.

Last year, other Trenton-based members of the Abannaki Aboriginal Nation were charged with marijuana possession and claimed diplomatic immunity. Government officials later found their diplomatic documents fraudulent.

For El Bey's neighbors, however, the potential legal issues involved in the case give way to sensual ones.

"It stinks. A lot," one neighbor told The Times of Trenton.

"I think it's not enough space for two horses," the neighbor's friend echoed.

In Hickman, Neb., three weeks ago, a different man, with a different horse, ran into similar legal issues.

A recently enacted livestock ban is forcing Harley Scott, 76, to relinquish his 32-year-old horse, Peter Rabbit by Sept. 15.

In an Aug. 19 Pet Pulse story, Scott expressed reluctance to move his elderly horse.

"He could drop dead today," he said. "I would prefer to have him remain as stable as he is and be able to enjoy his life. I like to go out and pet him ... I would be totally lost at the point where he disappears from the scene."

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The Times of Trenton and The Daily Record contributed to this article.