Equine veterinarians start new welfare group

Kentucky

-- Equine veterinarians in Kentucky have formed a new equine welfare group: the nonprofit Equine Health and Welfare Alliance Inc (EHWA).

Membership is open to veterinarians, as well as equine organizations and their supporters, and horse owners, according to the group's new Web site.

Goals for the group include reviewing welfare standards and legislation, certifying rescue and retirement operations, and assistant veterinarians in "critical areas of need" such as neglect and abuse, population control and other sensitive health and humane issues.

"The EHWA should be charged with assistance and professional con contributions to oversight in matters of the states' efforts to insure humane care of equines within [their] borders," a statement on the Web site reads.

Members of the EHWA plan to use the World Equestrian Games in Frankfort, Ky., in September to propose new tax incentives and discounts for farm that board unwanted, rescued or retired horses. The proposed discounts and incentives could be applied to insurance, feed, supplies, health maintenance care and professional services.

The five founding members are all equine doctors in Kentucky: Doug Byars, Mike Cavey, Gary Lavin, Frank D. Marcum and Norm Umphenour.