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County judge says state statute limits ability to authorize rescues of feral horses; court hears residents’ concerns
Summary
Residents raised concerns about feral horses; Pike County Judge Jones explained the statute’s requirements — including contracting with a veterinarian — and said he will not sign orders allowing removal without compliance and an agreed payment arrangement.
Residents pressed the fiscal court about what they described as a growing feral-horse problem in multiple parts of Pike County. The court heard extended public comment and Judge Jones responded at length about legal and practical limits on county action.
A resident described concerns about wild horses left on strip jobs and other locations, saying the animals are multiplying and that residents fear they may be taken to slaughter or otherwise mistreated. Judge Jones told the court he has not signed any order authorizing horses to be picked up and explained the statutory process he said applies.
Judge Jones cited KRS language (noting the statute number in the meeting) that, as he read it, requires the county judge to contract with a veterinarian to examine horses (for lip tattoos, freeze brands and microchips), document identifying features, post notice, and wait a 10-day claim period. He said the statute conditions civil and criminal immunity on compliance and that in practice veterinarians have refused to contract to examine feral animals because the work is dangerous and the statute does not provide money to pay vets.
Judge Jones said the county cannot lawfully authorize taker-uppers (rescue groups or individuals) to go onto private property and pick up animals; he said he will sign an order only if a rescue provides a contract to perform required veterinary examinations and agrees to pay associated costs. He also said legislative clarification is under consideration and he plans to bring the issue to the Kentucky Association of Counties and the state legislators for revision of the language.
No formal county action authorizing large-scale removals or funding was taken at the meeting; Judge Jones urged residents and rescues to coordinate and to pursue statutory fixes at the state level.
