What are the legal consequences of abandonment of horses?

In Washington, the legal consequences of abandoning a horse can be serious. Depending on the situation, a person may face both civil and criminal penalties. Under Washington State law, it is illegal to abandon a horse. This includes any act that involves deliberately leaving a horse in a place where it cannot meet its basic needs such as food, water, and shelter from the elements. Someone who is found guilty of abandoning a horse could face fines of up to $5,000 or a jail sentence of up to a year. Additionally, depending on the circumstances, a person may be held liable for the cost of caring for the abandoned horse. Abandonment of horses is taken very seriously and can have serious legal consequences. Therefore, it is important to make sure that horses are cared for properly and not simply left to fend for themselves. If you know someone who is in need of help providing care for their horse, there are resources available to help them.

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