On National Day of the Horse, Hochul signs legislation to prevent equine cruelty

Legislation S.2163B/A.5109A prohibits slaughter of horses for consumption; S.1677A/A.3552A increases fines for selling disabled Equidae

Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed legislation to prevent equine cruelty to recognize National Day of the Horse. Legislation S.2163B/A.5109A prohibits the slaughter of horses for human or animal consumption. Legislation S.1677A/A.3552A increases fines for selling disabled Equidae.

“Nearly 20 years ago, the U.S. Congress declared Dec. 13 to be National Day of the Horse,” Hochul said. “Here in New York, we are marking this occasion by signing new laws to address animal cruelty and the mistreatment of horses in our state.”

Legislation S.2163B/A.5109A prohibits the slaughter of horses for human or animal consumption by individuals or corporations.

State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo said, "Today, as we celebrate National Horse Day; it's an opportunity to reflect on the significant economic, historic and cultural impact that horses have had on our society. In honor of this special day, I am thankful that Governor Hochul will be signing my two bills aimed at safeguarding these magnificent animals from cruelty. The first bill, S.1677A, enhances the penalties with appropriate fines for the sale of disabled horses at auctions and extends these protections to mules and donkeys. The second bill, S.2163B, prohibits the slaughter of horses for both human and animal consumption. These animals, acknowledged for their contributions towards labor, agriculture, recreation, transportation and various other purposes, deserve to be treated with the utmost care, and I join Gov. Hochul in addressing the need for equine protections and the importance of this cause, which includes the end of horse slaughter and the prevention of animal cruelty."

Assembly member Deborah J. Glick said, “I’m very gratified that Gov. Hochul has signed my bill banning the sale, purchase or transport of horses for the purpose of slaughter for human consumption. Having worked for 19 years on this legislation to become law, today is a great day for New York state and for the horses who deserve better than the fate so many have faced in the past. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her support of this critical humane legislation.”

Legislation S.1667A/A.3552A updates fines for selling disabled horses at auctions. This legislation also expands the law to protect mules and donkeys. The current fine for selling these animals is only $5 and has not been updated since 1965.

Assembly member J. Gary Pretlow said, “On National Horse Day, I’d like to thank Gov. Hochul for signing our bill to stiffen penalties and increases fines for selling disabled Equidae. Every year, thousands of horse auctions are held in the United States, attracting farmers, ranchers, pleasure-horse owners, riding stable operators and, unfortunately, slaughterhouse buyers. The current violation for auctioneers to accept abused or neglected horses has not been updated since 1965 and, as such, stands at only a fine of $5. Such a paltry amount does not act as a deterrent to off-loading ill and injured animals. We needed to do better!”