Update June 4, 2013: The Assembly approved this bill in short order, and Gov. Brian Sandoval has now signed S.B. 72 into law.
For more on this new law, read Animal Law Coalition’s report below.
Original report: Nevada bill, S.B. 72 is moving closer to becoming law. S.B. 72 would ban horse tripping, a cruel event at some rodeos. The practice is illegal in 10 states, and a bill is pending in Oregon to prohibit horse tripping in that state.
The Nevada bill has passed the State Senate by a unanimous vote. The Assembly Committee on Natural Resources has approved S.B. 72 by a 10-2 vote. It’s onto the full Assembly!
The bill defines horse tripping as “roping of the legs of or otherwise using a wire, pole, stick, rope or other object to intentionally cause a horse” or other equine “to fall”. A permit could be obtained for an event that involves catching a horse by the front legs and then releasing him. Veterinary treatment would also be exempt. The bill prohibits anyone otherwise from intentionally engaging in horse tripping for sport, entertainment, competition or practice. Anyone who knowingly organizes, sponsors, promotes, oversees, conducts or receives money for an event that includes horse tripping would also be in violation of the law.
S.B. 72 would amend the state’s animal cruelty law, N.R.S. 574.050. Horse tripping would be a misdemeanor on the first offense and also on the second offense within 7 years and a Class C felony for a third offense within 7 years. Violators could be ordered to surrender ownership or possession of the mistreated horse.