The Kentucky Horse Council’s inaugural Equine Industry Summit, the only one of its kind in Kentucky, was designed to involve the whole horse industry in discussing common issues and opportunities to work together for the good of the industry. Held at the Kentucky Horse Park, this first Equine Welfare Summit had a panel which included Steven Ralls, American Horse Council, speaking on national legislation pertinent to the horse industry; Milt Toby, Kentucky Horse Council Legislative Committee, speaking on Kentucky legislation; and Kentucky Representative Royce Adams, speaking from a Legislator’s perspective on the issues facing the equine industry.

The panel felt current laws concerning animal cruelty have “no teeth.” Toby commented that when it comes to animal cruelty cases involving horses almost always carry a misdemeanor judgment with a maximum fine of $500, and jail time of up to one year. Felonies in animal cruelty cases are restricted to fighting cocks and dogs. Toby encouraged the audience to check, and double check, all facts surrounding a cruelty case before charging the owner with cruelty. And if you do file a complaint, be prepared to testify in the case; if not, the case will almost certainly be thrown out of court.

Theft of horses valued under $300 is considered a misdemeanor while those valued over that are dealt with as a felony. As it currently stands, according to Toby, horses are considered property under the law. The same claims can be made to horses that can be made to anything considered property, such as a television set or an automobile. Theft cases involving horses are determined by the value of the horse under current law.

Recent legislation that has passed in Kentucky is the Veterinary Practice Act which regulates who can practice veterinary medicine on horses in the state. This legislation was set into place to protect horse owners from people who practice acupuncture, chiropractics, massage, etc. and who are not licensed to do so. Toby encouraged horse owners to find out as much about the person performing these services on your horse as possible in order to prevent any problems which may arise. Another bill which addresses the use of whips in racehorses was passed. Under the new law, the use of the whip has to be consistent throughout the race. The law also states where on the horse the whip may be used. Under this new law, a whip can’t be used at the end of the race if the horse has no chance to win