| Lexington, KY. (Monday, April 13, 2026) – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) and the Kentucky Horse Council today praised the Kentucky General Assembly for passage of SB 73, legislation that includes language addressing stray equines.
The bill language clarifies that county judge/executives may work with equine rescue organizations as a legal and practical option for safely removing and placing stray horses.
KEEP and the Kentucky Horse Council worked closely with legislators to ensure that this approach was included, providing local officials with clear guidance while also supporting responsible and humane outcomes for the horses.
The organizations specifically recognized Representative Mitch Whitaker for his leadership in advancing this issue and for successfully incorporating his original bill into SB 73. They also thanked Senator Phillip Wheeler for his sustained commitment to addressing the challenges posed by stray horses and for supporting this important legislation.
“The Kentucky Horse Council is incredibly grateful to Representative Whitaker and Senator Wheeler for their leadership and dedication to SB 73. Until now, local leaders had limited options for managing free-roaming horse populations. This bill provides the authority Judge Executives need to make proactive decisions that prioritize both public safety and equine welfare,” said Sarah Coleman, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Council.
“Stray horses can present real challenges for communities across Kentucky, and this bill provides a practical, humane path forward. We appreciate the leadership of Representative Whitaker and Senator Wheeler that made this solution possible,” added Will Glasscock, KEEP’s executive director. |
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