Bill would bar cruelty to horses used with people

People would be barred from knowingly abusing or seriously harming covered horses. Covered horses are used or intended for interaction with people, including for sport, recreation, lessons, therapy, instruction, or racing; formal records of that interaction are not required. The bill's rules would not apply to horses used exclusively for farm work or agricultural production, lawful veterinary care, federally compliant scientific research, or properly prescribed medicine.

People responsible for a covered horse would have to meet basic care duties. These duties apply to anyone who confines, keeps, or cares for a covered horse. The duties would apply when a person negligently fails to meet them. They include providing food, suitable shelter and safe footing, timely veterinary care when illness or injury is known or should be known, and safe transport.

Courts could impose criminal penalties and other consequences for violations. These consequences apply to people convicted of or pleading guilty to violations involving covered horses. Penalties would depend on the type of violation and prior offenses. A court could also take a person's horses, limit future horse care, or order repayment of care costs after conviction or a guilty plea. If a contributing mental or emotional disorder is suspected, a court could require evaluation or counseling. For repeat violations involving the same horse, a later offense within two years could be a fourth-degree felony. Serious harm causing death or certain lasting injuries would carry a third-degree felony.