SENATE DOCKET, NO. 241        FILED ON: 1/12/2009

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 379

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand Nine

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An Act amending the equine laws..

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1.  The definition of “Equine activity” of section 2D of chapter 128, as appearing in the 2004 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out clause (6) and (7) and inserting in place thereof the following 3 clauses:- (6) placing or replacing horseshoes or hoof trimming on an equine; (7) providing or assisting in veterinary treatment; and (8) purchasing or selling an equine.

SECTION 2. Said section 2D of said chapter 128, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following 2 subsections:-

(e) A person who administers drugs or medications to an equine for the purpose of deceiving a purchaser of the equine with respect to the soundness and good health of the animal shall be subject to a penalty of 6 months in a house of correction or a fine of $5,000 or both.

(f) The owner of an equine who contracts with a person or entity to board the equine shall pay for the boarding within 45 days of receipt of the boarding bill or forfeit ownership of the equine to the person or entity boarding the equine.