CHICHESTER, N.H. — Hundreds of horse owners are expected to gather in Concord on Tuesday to protest legislation that they say could be financially crippling.
The proposed bill would require horse owners to buy licenses for each animal every year and vaccinate against rabies. Critics said the proposal to charge $25 per animal is just an attempt to raise revenue.
The Live and Let Live Farm in Chichester has 52 horses that were rescued from owners who were neglecting or abusing them.
“We’re struggling,” said owner Teresa Paradise. “Donations are down 40 to 50 percent.”
Paradise said the tough economy is forcing more owners to give up their horses. She learned of the equine licensing bill last week.
“It would bury us,” she said. “We’re already struggling.”
The proposed $25 fee would send $10 to the municipality for animal control costs, $5 to the state veterinarian’s fund — an allocation equestrians support — and $10 to the state’s general fund. That allocation is what’s raising the most ire from the horse community.
“It doesn’t say anything about this money coming back to equine owners, back to rescues, equine businesses or people who are in trouble and struggling,” said Patricia Morris, an animal law attorney.
The bill would also require horse owners to vaccinate their hooved pets for rabies. Most barns save money by vaccinating their horses themselves, but in New Hampshire, rabies has to be administered by a licensed vet.
“We’re looking at $100 a horse by the time they comply with this and finish paying the tax,” Paradise said.
The controversy surrounding the bill has taken its sponsor by surprise. Rep. Carla Skinder, D-Sullivan County, owns six horses and serves on the Commission for the Humane Treatment of Animals. She said she believes horse owners have to chip in.
“We do have incidences when we do have to rescue an animal, and this is money to help the horses and the horse community,” Skinder said.
Skinder said the bill is an effort to raise revenue and hopefully help horse owners in need. The bill will go before a committee on Tuesday, and 250 protesters are expected to attend.