Proposed Bill Would Make it Illegal to Harass a Horse

Violators could be fined up to $1,000

Annapolis, MD -State Senator Michael Hough has sponsored a bill at the 2020 Maryland General Assembly that would make it illegal to interfere, injure or
tamper with a horse performing any lawful duty.

Hough said this is already a law for race horses, but would expand the legislation to any horse that is racing, competing or participating in any other lawful activity.

“This stems from the issues in Frederick County that we had with the horse drawn carriages,” Hough said.

A person who violates this proposed law would be charged with a misdemeanor, subjected to a fine up $1,000 and up to 1 year in prison.

Hough said the committees would vote on the bill Friday.

By Timothy Young