Establishes the commission on retired horses

2 Co-sponsors

• Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.
• Phil Boyle

BILL NUMBER:S5543

Title of bill

An act to amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, in relation to establishing the commission on retired horses

Purpose

To establish a Commission on Retired Horses to monitor the whereabouts and treatment of retired racehorses.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1: Amends the Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law by adding a new article 7A which establishes the Commission on Retired Horses.

Section 2: Effective date.

Justification

Horses have played a significant role in the history and culture of the United States; more specifically, horses in the racing industry have generated billions of dollars for the state of New York. Despite what they may have contributed, many horses at a young age which are no long- er profitable or affordable for the owner wind up in international slaughterhouses to be inhumanely slaughtered for consumption abroad where horse meat is a major delicacy. In addition to horse slaughter being a huge breach in proper and ethical treatment of animals, this serves as a significant food safety issue for humans considering that race horses are administered drugs and medications that are not meant for any animal intended for human consumption.

This legislation will implement a commission with the intention to ensure the proper treatment of the horses following their racing career and to further prevent the transport of race horses to slaughterhouses.

Legislative history

New bill.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become law.