Legislation that would establish licensing and inspection regulations for equine rescues operating in West Virginia advanced when it was passed by that state’s senate on March 1.

The bill, SB 540, would require rescue operators in that state to obtain a license from the state Department of Agriculture. Licensure would be contingent on inspection of both the facility and the horses located at the rescue. Licensed rescue operators would then be subject to subsequent inspections that would take place at least twice a year. County animal welfare or law enforcement personnel would carry out inspections according to guidelines developed by the West Virginia Livestock Care and Standards Board.

If the bill is passed, rescue operators who fail to meet operations and care standards could face misdemeanor criminal charges. The charges carry penalties of not less than $100 and not more than $500 for the first offense, and for a second or subsequent offense shall be fined not less than $500 and not more than $2,500.

Licensed rescues would pay an annual licensing fee of $100. Revenue from generated from the fee would be forwarded to local county animal control or Sheriffs’ departments. Bill sponsor Sen. John Unger said the measure directly responds to a recent equine neglect case involving the seizure of more than 50 horses from an equine rescue operator in October 2010