Legislation that will enhance the health and welfare of the horse passed the Kentucky House of Representatives Feb. 25 on a bipartisan vote of 98-0. House Bill 398, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Tom McKee, will now be considered by the state Senate.

"This legislation is moving forward with strong bipartisan support," said Frank Dwayne Marcum, DVM, an equine veterinarian from Versailles and president of the Kentucky-based Equine Health and Welfare Alliance, in a release. "To our knowledge, no other organization in the U.S. has brought before a state legislature specific, focused equine health and welfare identification and reform that offers the chance for real solutions."

House Bill 398 will create the Kentucky Equine Health and Welfare Board under the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet to assist, advise, and consult with the cabinet on issues of equine health and welfare and will take action to help maintain the health, welfare, and safety of equines in the Commonwealth. The bill will also create an equine health and welfare trust fund to be administered by the Board to promote equine health, welfare, and safety.

"From the pony in the backyard to the winner of the Kentucky Derby, the horse is special in this state," said McKee, a Harrison County farmer, in a statement. "It is our signature animal. This bill is a step toward improving the health and welfare of the horse." Co-sponsoring the bipartisan legislation are Democratic Reps. Royce Adams, Charlie Hoffman, Don Pasley, Kent Stevens, Susan Westrom, Wilson Stone; and Republican Rep. Ron Crimm