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Ohio Horseman's
Council, Inc. .........Horsemen
helping horsemen |

Legislative
News
| The American Horse Council (AHC) actively promotes
equine interests and monitors federal legislative issues effecting the horse
industry. OHC receives information periodically from the AHC regarding
the status of certain issues in Congress. We will use this page to
relay the information to you. Additional information can be obtained
directly from the AHC website at
www.horsecouncil.org The Ohio Horseman's Council as an
organization has not taken a position on any issue presented
unless specifically noted and
offers this page as an informational service to our members. We
encourage each member to be aware of any issues that impact the equine
community and to take action based on their beliefs. |

Ohio News
| Want to express your opinion but don't know who to contact?
Click the links below to search for your Ohio State
Representative or Senator: |
Animal Confinement Legislation- The Humane Society of
the United States may be targeting Ohio to propose legislation regulating
living space provided to farm animals similar to Proposition #2 which passed
in November, 2008 in California. While the California legislation
specifically targeted factory farms and confinement of certain farm animals
in a manner that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand
up and fully extend their limbs. (ie veal cages, battery cages, and sow
gestation crates) this mentality to easily escalate into other areas
(remember horses are classified as livestock in Ohio) The OHC Legislative
Committee encourages you to support your farm neighbors and stay alert for
future developments. (posted 4/24/09).

Federal News
A source for keeping up with the status of various bills can be found
on the Thomas Register.
http://thomas.loc.gov
 | H.R.503 Prevention of Cruelty Act of 2009 (previously H.R. 6598 Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2008) -Criminalizes
the possession, transport, sale, delivery, or receiving in interstate
commerce of a horse or horse meat with the intent that it be used for
human consumption. Takes away a person's right to choose how
to handle their own personal property. Does not deal with
the problem of the unwanted horse, and stops states from opening new
processing plants.
Summary
Sample Letter (pdf)
the OHC
Executive Cabinet has voted to oppose this bill joining the AQHA, AMVA, AAEP, Farm Bureau
and others. Editorial
by Reuss Griffiths
(posted 3.09) |
|
H.R.503 Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act 2009
(Packaged as Cruelty and Transportation Act -
Actually anti-slaughter without the fanfare)
Slaughter or No Slaughter - IT's Your Choice - Don't
lose your right to make that decision regarding your personal property
- Keep your options open
Encourage your representative to Vote No on H.R.503 |
 | H.R. 305 Horse Transportation Safety Act - introduced by
Representative Mark Kirk (R-IL) on 1/8/09 was also introduced in the last
Congress. The bill would prohibit the interstate transport of any
horse in a double-deck truck. Several states have already passed
legislation banning the transport of horses in double decker trucks and
the U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed rules to prohibit the
transport of horses to slaughter in such vehicles, however this is the
first federal bill introduced prohibiting the transport of all horses in
such trucks. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
memo from AHC.pdf (posted 1/13/09) |
 | Contagious Equine Metritis Found in U.S. - In December,
the Kentucky Department of Agriculture announced that a quarter horse
stallion in Kentucky tested positive for this disease which previously did
not exist in the U.S. Since the discover, a full has been underway
to locate, test and quarantine any potentially exposed horses. Investigation has revealed that an
additional 11 stallions have tested positive (4 in Kentucky, 3 in Indiana,
3 in Wisconsin (including a Friesian) and 1 in Texas).
Additionally 3 mares have been confirmed positive (California, Illinois,
Wisconsin). The locations of 600 CEM-exposed horses have also been
confirmed. The total 614 horses includes 84 stallions and 530 mares in
45 states. |
Canada has imposed additional restrictions on horse imports from the
U.S. into Canada and additional certification for horses (including horses
returning to Canada) effective January 19th.
more.... (updated 3.13.09)
 | H.R. 1018 Amends Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act - The
bill, intended to improve the mangement and long-term health of wild
free-roaming horses and burros directs the Secretary of the Interior to
maintain an inventory of wild horses and burros on public lands, to
protect and manage the population in an ecologically balanced manner and
would designate and maintain specific ranges on public lands as
sanctuaries for their protection and preservation.
more... |
 | Proposed new ADA rules - The Department of Justice has
proposed new rules under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
A number of changes could impact horse shows, equestrian facilities, and
parks and wilderness areas.
more (posted 7.28.08) |
 | Final Changes Made to H-2A Visa Process - New regulations to
modernize program governing use of foreign agricultural workers becomes
effective January 17, 2009
more.pdf
... (posted 1/7/09) |
Last updated
04/24/2009 |
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