What are the legal requirements for the humane treatment of horses?
In West Virginia, there are legal requirements for the humane treatment of horses. All owners of horses must take all reasonable steps to provide humane treatment and prevention of suffering. This means that all horses must be provided with adequate food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and humane handling. In West Virginia, horse owners must also provide humane conditions and environment for horses. This includes the protection from extreme temperatures, any form of physical abuse, and confinement. Horse owners must also take reasonable steps to prevent overworking and overtiring of horses, and they must provide appropriate rest and access to food and water before, during, and after strenuous work. The West Virginia Code also mandates that those responsible for caring for horses must make sure that the horse’s hooves are regularly trimmed and tacked. Horses must not be subjected to any form of physical violence or punishment that causes physical pain or unnecessary suffering. If a horse has an injury or illness, the owner must take all reasonable steps to mitigate the horse’s suffering. The West Virginia Code also requires that horses must be provided with regular vaccination and veterinary care as necessary. All horses must be registered and each horse must have an appropriate identification tattoo or microchip. Any abandonment of horses is strictly prohibited within the state of West Virginia.
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