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House approves substitute to address horse-tripping with education and reporting
Summary
Lawmakers passed a first substitute to HB 261 targeting the practice of tripping horses for sport. Sponsors said the substitute emphasizes education, notification and reporting rather than immediate criminalization; the House voted 67-4.
The Utah House on March 3 approved a first substitute to HB 261 addressing the practice sometimes called "horse tripping." Sponsor Representative Ken Ivory described the practice as "ghastly" and said the substitute takes a Utah-specific approach emphasizing education and reporting before criminalization.
Representative Ivory and supporters said the substitute is designed to protect traditional ranching, farming and sanctioned rodeo practices while addressing events that "brutalize" animals when used for entertainment. Representative Chu supported the bill while stressing that some tripping is used for legitimate animal care (for example, to treat hoof conditions) and said the substitute did not target necessary ranching practices.
Representative Duckworth moved an amendment to include veterinarian charges for event planners; Representative Ivory called the amendment friendly and it was adopted. The House passed the amended first substitute 67 yes, 4 no; the bill will be referred to the Senate for further consideration.
