Bill > SB563

This bill amends Arkansas state law to enhance protections for equines (horses) by giving the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission new enforcement powers and providing a specific method for assessing animal welfare. The bill authorizes the commission to impose civil penalties of up to $5,000 for instances of cruelty to equines, specifically when an individual fails to provide sufficient food and water. Additionally, the legislation introduces a new standardized method for evaluating an equine's nutritional status by allowing licensed veterinarians to use a "body condition score" as evidence when determining whether an animal has been adequately fed and hydrated. This means that veterinary professionals can now use a scientifically recognized scoring system to assess an animal's physical condition as part of potential cruelty investigations, which provides a more objective approach to evaluating animal welfare compared to previous standards. The bill aims to strengthen animal protection laws and provide clearer guidelines for assessing and addressing potential cases of equine neglect.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb563&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R