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Pike County judge says KRS Chapter 259 creates hurdles to removing feral horses
Summary
Judge Jones told the fiscal court that state statute KRS Chapter 259 requires a veterinarian contract and multiple procedural steps before the county can remove feral horses, and that local humane groups lack capacity to resolve the problem quickly.
Pike County Judge Jones said state law (KRS Chapter 259) imposes a multi-step process that currently prevents the county from rapidly removing feral horses reported in parts of the county.
Jones told the fiscal court the statute “says most of the responsibilities put on the county judge” and that the first statutory requirement is to contract with a veterinarian able to scan for equine microchips. “He does not have time and will not do it,” Jones said of the only local equine veterinarian he has contacted. Jones added, “until you have a...equine vet...you can't do a thing.”
The judge described the statute's steps: capture of animals; a veterinarian check for microchips, freeze brands and lip tattoos; detailed photographic and written records; administration of an oath to the person who removes the animals (statute term: “taker up”); and multiple notifications and filings with the sheriff and county clerk before a 15-day period begins. Jones said failing to follow the statute exactly can expose the county judge to lawsuits.
Jones told the court the county lacks a willing veterinary contractor and that the local humane society reported it is at capacity and can only take a small number of horses on an emergency basis. He said estimates of the local feral population range “anywhere between 40 to 60” animals and that eliminating the problem could take many months or longer under current law and capacity constraints.
Commissioner Lewis had asked for action and Jones said he is coordinating with the humane society and will try to identify a veterinarian willing to contract with the county. Jones urged residents that private attempts to capture horses risk legal exposure if the statutory process is not followed.
Why it matters: Officials said these feral horses pose a public-safety hazard on county roads and that state law and limited sheltering capacity are the primary barriers to a quick solution.
