PA Governor Rendell Signs Ceremonial Bill to Protect Equine Operators
Equestrian News Release
$600 Million Industry Will Reap Benefit
HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell held a ceremonial bill signing today at the 90th Pennsylvania Farm Show for a measure designed to better protect horse owners and event sponsors. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Michael L. Waugh (R-York), was originally signed into law last month.
Senate Bill 618 would limit liability in cases where horse owners or event sponsors are not negligent for injury or death that occurs in connection with an equine activity. The new law will protect owners from lawsuits where no party is at fault for injury or damages.
Equine operators will be required to post signs stating that participants assume the risk of equine activities pursuant to Pennsylvania law. Those same protections are currently afforded to ski and golf course operators.
"The horse industry has been a tremendous economic force in Pennsylvania's economy," Governor Rendell said. "From the most prestigious equestrian events to breeding farms, the industry that helped build this state and country, and provided the first means of transportation and labor, deserves the protection of the measure I have signed into law."
The commonwealth's equine industry employs more than 20,000 Pennsylvanians, generates $600 million annually for the economy and contributes more than $53 million in taxes, while also preserving an important historical tradition.
"Agriculture's status as the number one industry in Pennsylvania owes part of its success to equine operators," said Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff. "Our harness and horseracing venues, horse events and shows and small family operations have not only contributed to the economy, but have enriched the lives of so many people."
It is estimated that one in every four families are involved in equine activities.
The new law will help create a competitive insurance market and result in improved access to horses, fewer barriers for people entering the world of horse sports, greater peace of mind for horse owners, and growth for the state's horse industry by minimizing risk.
Currently, 44 other states have Equine Activity Liability acts.
Today's ceremonial signing took place at the Farm Show Complex's Equine Arena prior to the opening of the annual event.
The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/.
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