Schulman questions on horse sanctuary transition planning

The committee has heard from many animal sanctuaries across the country that have stated they are willing to accept the horses in the event that the industry is phased out.

Is DOHMH equipped to coordinate with city agencies, sanctuaries, and animal welfare organizations to transition horses to safe and caring homes and to ensure that none are sold or disposed of in a manner that leads to slaughter or mistreatment?

So the bill would require the health department to collect information about sanctuaries and similar

organizations and people and to provide that information to the owners and then to collect certifications from the owner.

owners about the disposition of their horse.

We are reviewing the bill.

So we don't have exactly the details for how we would implement that, but we would be prepared to implement should the bill pass.

That's what I'm asking you, if you're prepared and do you need other resources to facilitate that?

We haven't fully evaluated the requirements of the bill.

We are still reviewing.

How many staff positions does DOHMH dedicate to carriage horses?

So we have six inspectors who work on this industry, but also other animal-related industries.

And then we have program leads, administrative staff, and then equine veterinarians on contract.

If the council enacts Intro 943, does DOHMH have a plan to transition those staff?

So these staff work on a number of different programs, and so there's no concern about having them, there will be other work for them to do.