CINDY KNIER/The LuminaryA policy that will affect the Amish community in Elimsport regarding horse manure—and where it should be contained—is at the center of discussion by the Washintgon Township Supervisors during a meeting on Monday, Aug. 5, 6 p.m.

ELIMSPORT-An upcoming supervisors’ meeting to discuss the future of horse manure could become controversial to a community that is home to nearly 1,700 people-many of them Amish.

On Monday, Aug. 5, at 6 p.m., Washington Township supervisors will take action to approve and implement a policy requiring bags or diapers to capture the feces on all horses and similar types of animals when traveling on township and state roads. The policy would also require any individuals whose animal deposits feces on any road to immediately remove the dung for public health and safety reasons.

Proponents of the policies advocate the use of the diapers, also known as “bun bags,” to eliminate the possible spread of hazard material, while those objecting to the ordinance feel the Amish community residing in Elimsport is being singled out.

Supervisors are also planning to take action to approve and implement a policy requiring rubber shoes on all equine and similar animals in order to save tax dollars that preserve those roads.

Penalties shall range from $50 to $1,000 per offense, enforceable by the Constable, supervisors and all citizens 18 years of age or older.

Lastly, a policy requires all equine-drawn or pulled or powered buggies, carriages and carts to obtain a carriage permit/license, as well as clearly numbering each buggy with 4-inch reflective numbers on all sides. Penalties range from $100 to $1,000 per offense; license cost is to be determined in the near future.