HORSE WELFARE (UNWANTED HORSES IN MINNESOTA)
With this new program, founded in 2009, the Minnesota Horse Council assumes a leadership role in the state’s response to Unwanted Horses in Minnesota. The Horse Welfare Committee will perform this function through participation in the legislative process, through education of horse owners and through special projects to reduce the numbers of unwanted horses.
- Legislation
The MHC has passed a position statement on the slaughter of horses. MHC has supported the definition of horses as livestock (HF 0797 and SF 0755). The MHC has supported state legislation opposing US Congressional legislation to ban slaughter of horses (HF 0840, SF 0133)
- Education
The MHC supports education of horse owners and supports the reduction of the number of stallions through The Gelding Project. The Unwanted Horse Committee has developed an educational slide presentation on the Unwanted Horse of Minnesota.
- Projects
In order to inform the public of the most legitimate equine rescues, the MHC has developed a program to certify Minnesota Horse Rescues and Horse Retirement Facilities. The MHC is the lead organization for The Gelding Project. - Code of Conduct
The MHC has signed on to the Welfare Code of Practice created by the American Horse Council. We encourage all equine organizations in the state to also support this.