Anti Slaughter Bill Briefing

HORSEPOWER

People Organizing for the Well-being of Equines and their Rights

Brief: #BanTheSale of Horses for Slaughter, A4154b/S1442

Sponsors: Senator Joseph Addabbo and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow

 Summary:

1.     Relates to the aftercare of retired racehorses

2.     Prohibits the slaughter of racehorses and racehorse breeding stock

3.     Requires that racehorses be microchipped

4.     Provides for gifts for thoroughbred aftercare on tax returns

 What is A4154/S1442?

A4154b/S1442 are the numbers for the #BanTheSale of Horses for Slaughter bill that recently passed the NYS Assembly and Senate. It is a measure that, PENDING THE GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE, will prohibit the sale or transfer of Thoroughbreds and Standardbred’s for the purposes of slaughter or inducing others to sell or transfer horses for the purposes of slaughter.

The bill only relates to Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses and carries a misdemeanor charge and graduating penalties for each horse slaughtered or transferred for slaughter. The first offense is penalized with a fine of $1000 per horse for individuals and $2500 per horse for businesses. Each additional offense carries a penalty of a $2000 fine per horse for individuals and $5000 for businesses. All fines collected on behalf of slaughtered thoroughbred horses will be awarded to the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund to be used exclusively for the care of retired racehorses. All fines collected on behalf of slaughtered Standardbred or racing stock horses will be awarded to the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development fund. Additionally, individuals and businesses found to be in violation of this law will be subject to an inquiry into whether their license should be suspended.

The bill also requires that no horse may compete until it is microchipped and registered with the Jockey Club, United States Trotting Association, American Quarter Horse Association, and the National Steeplechase and Hunt Association, as appropriate. The racing commission, upon its discretion may also request that registration and microchipping information be made available for public consumption.

The Aftercare of Retired Horses

The New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund and the Agriculture and New York Horse Breeding and Development fund are each responsible for managing an account dedicated to collecting and distributing the funds allocated to their respective organizations through this bill, with strong preference for funding to go to accredited horse care retirement and rescue programs.

Provides for Gifts for Thoroughbred Aftercare on Tax ReturnsA section will be provided on the New York State Income Tax form for people to make contributions to the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund and the Agriculture and New York Horse Breeding Development Fund to be allocated to a dedicated account for the exclusive use of funding organizations who provide retirement care to retired thoroughbred and standardbred horses with preference given to accredited organizations.

 When Does This Bill Take Effect?

 After the Governor signs the bill, it takes effect on January 1, 2022.

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 Prepared by: Katelyn Gailbrath