Horses are protected by equine laws in Florida.
Florida is filled with wide pasture and green fields for breeding and raising horses. Florida's laws govern the treatment of horses and the hosting of equine activities. These laws are designed to prevent horse cruelty and abuse and ensure that events such as horse races and shows are conducted properly.
Hosting Equine Events
Equine events such as horse races, horse shows and riding lessons are to be provided by an equine professional or equine activity sponsor. These equine professionals and activity sponsors are not liable for the deaths or injury to any person that results from the "inherent risk" of the activity. Inherent risk include unpredictable behavior of the horse or other horses, rider or caretaker error or accidental collision with other horses. Owners of the dead or injured horse have no claims against the professionals or sponsors in these cases. Equine professionals or activity sponsors are required to post signs with the above no-liability warning on the grounds of the event location as well as required participants to sign a liability waiver.
Liability of Equine Professionals and Activity Sponsors
In certain cases, equine professionals and activity sponsors can be held liable for the injury or death or a horse. If the professional or sponsor is found to: have provided faulty equipment or tack, have failed to properly ensure the fitness of each animal to participate in the event, own the land that the event was held on and was not keeping the facility properly conditioned and did not post warning signs or has intentionally injured the participating horse.
Buying and Selling Horses
If a person that is buying a horse asks about any injuries that the horse may suffered or any problems with the horse, the seller is required by law to disclose the truth. The seller should also inform the buyer whether or not a horse is suitable for an intended use (such as riding), only if the seller is aware of that intended use. Written contracts are not required, but are suggested because they protect sellers from unreasonable lawsuits and help buyers to verify seller promises.
Horse Vaccines and Diseases
To prevent the spread of disease from out-of-state, an Equine Interstate Passport Card is required for the transport of all horses and must be signed by a veterinarian. Horses that are infected with equine piroplasmosis must receive a lip tattoo or body brand with the letter "P." Horses must be regularly tested for equine infectious anemia and those found to have the disease must be quarantined. Horses must also be vaccinated for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
Cruelty to Horses
A person that overloads, overdrives, beats or torments a horse in Florida is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor and subject to jail time of up to a year or a fine of up to $5,000. A person that intentionally kills or causes excessive pain to a horse is guilty of a third-degree felony and is subject to jail time of up to five years and a fine of up to $10,000. A person who intentionally ropes, lassos, fells or trips a horse is guilty of a third-degree felony and is subject to the same punishment as stated above, unless that roping is deemed necessary to control a horse that is posing a threat to others or to administer veterinary treatment.
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