§ 4-13-1. Short Title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Humane Care for Equines Act.” History. Code 1981, § 4-13-1 , enacted by Ga. L. 1992, p. 2398, § 2.

§ 4-13-10. Penalty for Violation of Chapter

Except as otherwise provided in Code Section 16-12-4 or 16-12-37, any person, partnership, firm, corporation, or other entity violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. History. Code 1981, § 4-13-10 , enacted by Ga. L. 1992, p. 2398, § 2; Ga. L. 2000, p. 754, § 11. Editor’s […]

§ 4-13-2. Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term: “Adequate food and water” means food and water which is sufficient in amount and appropriate for the particular type of equine to prevent starvation, dehydration, or a significant risk to the equine’s health from a lack of food or water. “Equine” means any member of the Equidae species, […]

§ 4-13-3. Prohibited Acts

It shall be unlawful for the owner of any equine: To commit a violation of Code Section 16-12-4, relating to cruelty to animals, which involves an equine owned by, possessed by, or in the custody or control of such person; To fail to provide adequate food and water to such equine; To fail to provide […]

§ 4-13-4. Inspection Warrants; Impoundment Authorized; Examination

At any time there is cause to believe that a violation of Code Section 4-13-3 has occurred, the Commissioner of Agriculture or his designated agent may apply to the appropriate court in the county in which the equine is located for an inspection warrant under the provisions of Code Section 2-2-11 or any sheriff, deputy […]

§ 4-13-5. Duty to Care for Impounded Equines; Lien; Return to Owner

It shall be the duty of any person designated for impounding an equine under Code Section 4-13-4 to make reasonable and proper arrangements to provide the impounded equine with adequate and necessary shelter, food, water, veterinary services, and humane care and to take such actions as to ensure the survival of the equine or the […]

§ 4-13-6. Notice of Impoundment

It shall be the duty of any person impounding an equine under this chapter to notify the owner of such equine immediately upon impoundment. Such notice shall state the name and address of the person impounding the equine, the location where the equine is being held, and a description of the equine. If the owner […]

§ 4-13-7. Disposal of Equine by Sale or Euthanasia

If the owner of the equine cannot be found, if the owner refuses to enter into a consent order or to provide a written assurance that such equine will be given humane care and adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care, or if the owner fails to comply with this chapter after having entered into […]

§ 4-13-8. Injunctive Relief

In addition to the remedies provided in this chapter or elsewhere in the laws of this state and notwithstanding the existence of an adequate remedy at law, the Commissioner is authorized to apply to the superior courts for an injunction or restraining order. Such courts shall have jurisdiction and for good cause shown shall grant […]

§ 4-13-9. Rules and Regulations

The Commissioner is authorized to promulgate and adopt rules and regulations necessary or appropriate to carry out this chapter. History. Code 1981, § 4-13-9 , enacted by Ga. L. 1992, p. 2398, § 2.