What is the Equine Welfare Act?

The Equine Welfare Act is a law that was enacted in South Carolina in 2014 to protect the health and welfare of horses in the state. Under the law, owners are responsible for providing adequate care for their horses, including proper food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. The law also outlaws the practice of soring, a cruel and inhumane practice that involves using chemicals, wires, and other objects to intentionally cause pain to a horse’s hooves to make them more responsive while competing in horse shows or races. The Equine Welfare Act also establishes a process for reporting animal cruelty. If a person suspects that a horse is being abused or neglected, they can contact the local animal control officer or law enforcement agency. The agency can then initiate an investigation to determine whether criminal charges should be filed. The Equine Welfare Act also includes provisions for owners of abandoned horses. The law states that owners must provide their horses with basic care, such as providing food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. If an owner fails to do so, they can be held liable for any resulting injury to the horse. Lastly, the Equine Welfare Act also requires that all horses be registered with the state and given official identification. This ensures that the proper authorities are aware of a horse’s location and can act in cases of suspected animal cruelty or neglect.

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What is the Equine Welfare Act?

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