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Bill would close sale loophole to prevent racehorse export for slaughter
House Appropriations Committee · January 16, 2026
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Summary
The Maryland Racing Commission asked the Appropriations Committee to support HB 228, which would close a loophole allowing sale or transfer of racehorses for slaughter outside Maryland and add enforcement authority and a six‑month statute of limitations; supporters cited animal welfare and industry economic impacts.
Christopher Mertz, executive director of the Maryland Racing Commission, told the committee HB 228 addresses a gap that allows owners to sell or transfer racehorses that are then slaughtered out of state. Mertz called this a…
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