Proposed legislation would protect horses used by Montana police from harm while in the line of duty.

Introduced by State Representative Margie MacDonald (D), HB 106 would prohibit anyone from shooting, killing, or otherwise harming a horse performing law enforcement or search and rescue activities. If passed, anyone convicted of the offense would face a fine of not more than $5,000, one year in prison, or both.

MacDonald said she introduced the bill in order to promote the use of mounted patrols in local law enforcement settings. Currently, she said, only one horse is used by police in the state; that animal is maintained and trained by an officer in Livingston.

“There are other horses used in law enforcement in the state by game wardens and brand inspectors involved with enforcing laws relative to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and the Board of Livestock,” MacDonald said. “Horses are also used in search and rescue quite regularly, but not necessarily trained and adapted to local law enforcement needs