What are the legal consequences of abandonment of horses?

In Texas, the legal consequences of abandoning horses vary depending on whether the act is considered to be negligent or malicious. Negligent abandonment can lead to charges of animal cruelty, and the person responsible for the act can face fines, jail time, and/or a felony charge. Malicious abandonment carries even more severe penalties. If found guilty, the person responsible could face up to 10 years in prison and hefty fines. In addition, the court may order the person to pay restitution to cover the costs of caring for the horses. The Texas penal code also states that any person who finds a horse that has been abandoned must make a reasonable effort to locate the current owner. If unable to do so, the finder must take the horse to a veterinarian to determine if the horse is healthy and, if not, arrange for its medical treatment. The finder may also seek ownership of the horse in court. Most importantly, it’s important for anyone considering abandoning a horse to know that it’s illegal and carries heavy consequences. Aside from the legal issues, abandoning a horse is also cruel and inhumane. Horses are living creatures that deserve to be cared for properly. Furthermore, abandoning a horse means it will be left to fend for itself, which can put the animal in danger.

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