Are there any laws regarding the humane treatment of horses?

Yes, there are laws in California that address the humane treatment of horses. The California Penal Code Section 597.5 states that it is a crime to “overdrive, overload, mistreat, or torture, or inhumanly beat, or cruelly frighten, any animal.” Similarly, Section 597.7 of the same law states that it is a crime to “deprive an animal of necessary food, drink, or shelter” or “willfully and maliciously kill, maim, mutilate, or injure a horse or other animal.” Additionally, the California Business and Professions Code Section 24800 states that it is a crime to “allow the animal to suffer unnecessary or unjustifiable pain or suffering” or “willfully or maliciously permitting or allowing any horse to go without proper care, sustenance, or shelter.” The law further states that any person who “intentionally or negligently overworks or overloads any animal” or “knowingly inflicts unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain or suffering upon any animal” can also be prosecuted. Finally, California Health and Safety Code Section 122335 states that it is a crime to “override, overdrive, overload, torture, cruelly beat, maim, mutilate, or injure any animal” or “deprive any animal of necessary food, drink, or shelter.” The law also states that any person who “abandons any animal” or willfully permits “any animal to be subjected to needless suffering, or infliction of unnecessary cruelty or pain” can be fined and possibly imprisoned. In sum, there are several laws in California that address the humane treatment of horses. These laws are designed to protect horses from abuse and neglect and ensure that they receive the care and respect that they deserve.

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