This bill adds certain equine practices to the definition of animal cruelty. It makes the following practices crimes under animal cruelty:
1. Hoof soring: The application of devices, caustics, or irritants to the foot or leg of a horse to cause the horse to lift its leg for aesthetic reasons.
2. Gingering: The application of devices, caustics, or irritants to the anus or vagina of a horse to alter the posture of the horse for aesthetic purposes.
3. Tail nicking: Any cutting of the muscle or tendon attached to the tail of a horse for aesthetic reasons.
4. Tail blocking or tail nerving: Any injection or other manipulation near the base of the tail affecting the function of the nerves that control the muscles controlling tail movement for aesthetic purposes.
A person who causes or permits these practices is guilty of a misdemeanor for a first offense and a class B felony for a second or subsequent offense. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2025. The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable.