Kentucky’s House Agriculture and Small Business Committee last week approved two bills intended to help boarding barn operators and horse rescues cope with the negative economy.

Sponsored by Rep. Dwight Butler, HR 418 expands local government authority to collect stray or abandoned horses and place them with caretakers. It also allows caretakers to recoup care costs from owners who later reclaim their horses.

HB 331, sponsored by Rep. Royce Adams, allows barn operators to sell horses 45 days after their owners fail to pay board bills. Current law requires barn operators to file a lien to recover delinquent board fees.

Adams’ bill reduces the investment barn operators are forced to make when horses owners default on board fees, said Madelyn Millard, operator of Goose Creek Stables near Lexington