- Law Section: Agriculture and Markets Law
Summary: Strengthens enforcement efforts of the state’s anti-slaughter of race horses and race horse breeding stock law; requires the posting of signage that states it is illegal to sell or transfer such animals for the purposes of slaughter.
Section 1. Section 382 of the agriculture and markets law is amended 2 by adding a new subdivision 9 to read as follows:
9. All corporations, associations, or other entities offering for sale or purchase, thoroughbred or standardbred horses, including livestock auction houses must have signage conspicuously posted, which shall reference that it is illegal to sell or transfer a thoroughbred or standardbred race horse or breeding stock for the purposes of slaughter and explicitly state the penalties associated with the violation of this section. Such signage shall also reference that it is illegal to sell or transfer a horse to be slaughtered for the purpose of human or animal consumption and explicitly state the penalties associated with the violation of section three hundred eighty-five of this article. Such signage shall occur no later than ninety days after the effective date of this subdivision.
§ 2. The agriculture and markets law is amended by adding a new section 386 to read as follows:
§ 386. Requirements for live auctions. The department shall make a good faith effort to have an agent present at each livestock auction where horses are being sold. Such agent shall be charged with the review of all health certificates for all thoroughbred and standardbred horses sold.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
Agriculture and Markets Law § 382(9) – Signage Requirements at Horse Sales and Auctions
(Annotated Explanation)
Statutory Text
Section 382(9) requires that all corporations, associations, and other entities involved in the sale or purchase of Thoroughbred or Standardbred horses—including livestock auction houses—conspicuously post signs informing the public that:
- It is illegal to sell or transfer a Thoroughbred or Standardbred racehorse or breeding stock for slaughter purposes;
- Violations are subject to the penalties established in § 382;
- It is illegal to sell or transfer any horse for slaughter intended for human or animal consumption under § 385; and
- Violations of § 385 are subject to the penalties established therein.