Rep. Robb Blasdel Introduces Ohio Equestrian Protection Act

State Representative Monica Robb Blasdel (R-New Waterford) this week introduced the Ohio Equestrian Protection Act, legislation that would extend Ohio’s animal cruelty protections to horses and other equines used in human interaction, including for sport, recreation, lessons, therapy, and racing.

Under current Ohio law, felony-level animal cruelty protections – known as Goddard’s Law – apply only to companion animals such as dogs and cats. Horses and other livestock are excluded, leaving those who commit acts of cruelty against equines facing only misdemeanor charges. A case in Columbiana County brought this gap into sharp focus, where five horses were found dead at a Salem Township stable in varying stages of decomposition, with necropsies confirming evidence of dehydration and starvation. Because horses are classified as livestock, the charges in that case were limited to misdemeanors carrying a maximum penalty of 570 days in jail.

House Bill 992 would enact new Section 959.135 of the Ohio Revised Code, creating dedicated protections for equines used in human interaction. Key provisions of the bill include:

• A prohibition on knowingly torturing, tormenting, cruelly beating, poisoning, or committing acts of cruelty against an equine, with felony-level penalties for serious physical harm or repeated offenses; 
• A requirement that custodians and caretakers provide adequate food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and safe transportation; 
• Court authority to forfeit equines from convicted offenders and restrict their ability to own or care for equines in the future; and
• Rules established by the Director of Agriculture governing shelter standards, veterinary care, transportation, and seizure procedures.

“What happened in Columbiana County was horrific, and the fact that our current law could only charge it as a misdemeanor tells you everything about the gap we need to close,” said Rep. Robb Blasdel. “Horses that serve people – in therapy, in sport, in lessons – deserve the same protection under Ohio law that our companion animals have. This bill is about making sure that those who commit acts of cruelty against these animals face consequences that reflect the seriousness of what they’ve done.”

Constituents who support the Ohio Equestrian Protection Act or have questions are encouraged to contact Representative Blasdel’s office at Rep79@ohiohouse.gov or (614) 466-8022.

House Bill 992 awaits a committee assignment.