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:

Ohio House of Representatives

Ohio Senate

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