EWHA goals  Identify issues adversely affecting the treatment of horses and identify solutions through legislative or regulatory action  Promote research to improve equine health  Improve the quality and oversight of horse-rescue operations  Build a nationwide grassroots network to advocate on behalf all equine breeds

Membership  Founding members Dr. Frank Dwayne Marcum, DVM, president Dr. Doug Byars, DVW Dr. Norm Umphenhour, DVM Dr. Mike Cavey, DVM Dr. Gary Lavin, DVM  The Alliance is not limited to veterinarians and will actively seek and recruit individuals, organizations, and companies interested in improving the welfare of the horse  “To our knowledge, no other organization in the U.S. has brought before a state legislature specific, focused equine health and welfare identification and reform that offers the chance for real solutions.” Dr. Frank Dwayne Marcum, DVM

Early success  Working with Kentucky State Rep. Tom McKee, D-Cynthiana, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, the EWHA assisted in drafting House Bill 398  “This legislation will help protect the equine, which cannot take care of themselves, and help make Kentucky a leader in the nation in the area of care and welfare for all equine.” – Dr. Doug Byars

House Bill 398  Passed the Kentucky General Assembly in early April with near unanimous support after a focused lobbying effort by the EHWA. Signed into law by Gov. Steve Beshear.  Heralded as a landmark piece of legislation that other states can study and adopt.  Creates the Kentucky Equine Health and Welfare Board under the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet Board will assist, advise, and consult with the Cabinet on issues of equine health and welfare and will take action to help maintain the health, welfare, and safety of equines in the Commonwealth  Creates an equine health and welfare trust fund to be administered by the Board to promote equine health, welfare, and safety  Undertakes research, conduct public hearings, and collect data to determine prevalent equine health and welfare issues

House Bill 398  Strives to develop regional centers of care for abused, neglected, or confiscated equines  Creates a system of voluntary certification for equine rescue and retirement operations that meets industry-accepted standards for care  Research and offer suggestions for statutory changes affecting equine health, welfare, abuse, and neglect issues  Assists veterinarians and others in maintaining the health and welfare of equines by identifying and referring to the appropriate authorities critical areas of need

Moving forward  The focus will be solely on issues and mechanisms that protect, promote, and preserve adequate measures of basic needs for the horse  The EHWA is positioned to provide expertise, along with other organizations, in developing strategic plans for state regulatory oversight and improvement of existing conditions and shortfalls  The EHWA stands ready to assist and support as a private organization in matters of short term needs, education, and research

Strategy  The goal of the EHWA is to develop and maintain a comprehensive network of education, research, and support for the basic needs of all equines that allows them a life of dignity  The work will include: Reviewing current equine health and welfare standards and legislation to identify needed improvements, solutions, changes, or action Providing a certified standard of care for rescue and retirement operations Assisting local veterinarians in identifying and enforcing critical areas of need

Conclusion  “While Kentucky is recognized world-wide for its equine industry, many horses and other equids in the Commonwealth, particularly those outside of thoroughbred racing circles, may be subject to inhumane treatment and some horse-rescue operations in the state lack the standards of quality needed or lack sufficient oversight. By taking an organized, proactive approach, through the formation of this board, we begin to address issues that are of immediate need as well as looking ahead for problems that may arise.” - Dr. Frank Dwayne Marcum

The EHWA has applied to be established as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation so tax deductible contributions can be accepted