Legislation, supported by the Kentucky Horse Council, was signed into law on March 24, 2009 as a revision to KRS 376.400, which previously addressed cattle only. Under the new law an animal can be sold if it has been fiscally abandoned by an owner for more than 45 days. Proper legal notification is required including newspaper advertisements and written notification to the owner. The new law became effective June 25, 2009.
Fiscally abandoned horses rapidly incur maintenance expenses which can easily overwhelm boarding facilities. The ajisters lien is designed to help boarding facilities limit expenses and recover costs on such animals.
In the past, boarding facilities had to write contracts that specifically addressed the handling of fiscally abandoned horses. Facilities without provisions often suffered devastating financial consequences when owners failed to pay bills. Boarding operations should continue to include appropriate language in board contracts to address non paying clients and all equine business owners are encouraged to engage the services of an attorney.
More information about the new law can be found online at http://www.lrc.ky.gov/KRS/376-00/400.PDF.
The Kentucky Horse Council is pleased to be part of the solution in supporting equine business owners.
