Equine Welfare Council Discuss Options for Addressing Unwanted Horses
The Kentucky Equine Health and Welfare Council (EHWC) met January 19 in Frankfort to discuss the future of the unwanted horse in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Rusty Ford, chairman of the council,, presided over the meeting that included members from different aspects of the equine industry and Kentucky government.
Rep. Tom McKee discussed new legislation, namely Kentucky's HB
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The Kentucky Equine Health and Welfare Council (EHWC) met January 19 in Frankfort to discuss the future of the unwanted horse in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Rusty Ford, chairman of the council, presided over the meeting that included members from different aspects of the equine industry and Kentucky government.
Rep. Tom McKee discussed new legislation, namely Kentucky's HB 204, a bill that he said redefines the Board of Agriculture's role and assures that all facets of the agriculture community–including the equine industry–are properly represented. McKee noted that this bill is an important follow-up to HB 398, which established the EHWC as a voice ?for the horse industry? in the state government.
Essie Rogers from the Kentucky Horse Council then gave a presentation on the state of unwanted horses in Kentucky. Rogers noted that from 2005 to 2010, there was a 40% drop in sale prices at the Keeneland sales, and a 42% decline in sale prices at the Fasig-Tipton sales from 2008 to 2010. Rogers said she wasn't able to obtain data from local sale yards, although Ford said he has seen similar trends reported in local horse sales as well.
Rogers also discussed the 28 equine rescue facilities located in Kentucky. She explained that 11 of them had obtained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, seven of the 28 provide care for Thoroughbreds only, and five of the 28 provide lifetime care for horses
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