SENATE, No. 472

By Mr. Brewer, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 472) of Stephen M. Brewer and Christine E. Canavan for legislation amending the equine laws. Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

In the Year Two Thousand and Seven.


AN ACT amending the equine laws

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1.  The definition of “Equine activity” of section 2D of chapter 128, as appearing in the 2004 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out clause (6) and (7) and inserting in place thereof the following 3 clauses:- (6) placing or replacing horseshoes or hoof trimming on an equine; (7) providing or assisting in veterinary treatment; and (8) purchasing or selling an equine.

SECTION 2. Said section 2D of said chapter 128, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following 2 subsections:-

(e)        A person who administers drugs or medications to an equine for the purpose of deceiving a purchaser of the equine with respect to the soundness and good health of the animal shall be subject to a penalty of 6 months in a house of correction or a fine of $5,000 or both.

(f)         The owner of an equine who contracts with a person or entity to board the equine shall pay for the boarding within 45 days of receipt of the boarding bill or forfeit ownership of the equine to the person or entity boarding the equine.