LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

LONG LAKE HOUNDS May 3, 2009
LEGISLATIVE REPORT

There is a movement by the anti’s (PETA & HSUS) to get horses reclassified out of Agriculture status (i.e.cows, sheep, etc) and into Commercial Companion (i.e.dogs, cats) status. This is another example of their focus on leading us to a very regulated society. Imagine having to go to your City Hall and purchase licenses for your horses, having to show all administered medications.

Please read below and take 15 minutes to contact your Minnesota legislative representatives.

Thank you, Cindy



Hello all --
We have little time to act -- Take 10 minutes and make a big difference! =0 A
This legislative (and county) effort to reclassifiy horses and boarding facilities as commercial entities is a big threat to horse farms and boarding facilities in Minnesota. The cost to board could skyrocket. Keeping horses classified as "livestock" helps us all for several reasons: Changing the classification, which may occur if we don't act, will effect our real estate taxes, land use provisions, shipping requirements, and potentially, fees and requirements pertaining to horse sales, business taxes, euthanizing laws, slaughter and more - for years to come. Pass this message on!

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1. Contact your legislators to support SF 766 which "clarifies horses and other equines are livestock and raising them is an agricultural pursuit". The specific text can be seen at:
www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S0755.1.html&session=ls86
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To find your legislators and send them an email go to: www.gis.leg.mn/mapserver/districts/
Tell them to keep horses classified as "Livestock". Add that horses require an intensive agricultural use of land for feed and care etc.....

2. While you are at it, please remind them all to support the Horsemens Racino Bill (SF 2007 & HF 2339) which asks to install casino-style video games in the two racetracks to strengthen racing, generate tax revenue and contribute to the state's horse industry. It sets aside $3- $4 Million from the Racinos revenue YEARLY for non-racing service and promotion activities. Programs like our own MHJA, or therapeutic riding, 4-H or equine health research could all benefit.

SAFETY SUMMIT

SAFETY SUMMIT

Wednesday, May 13, 7:00 PM

Cindy Piper’s house
1125 Spring Hill Rd.
Mapquest the 55391 zip code

We will have a presentation on how to deal with a “fallen rider”. Plan to spend several hours learning what to do and when to do it.