Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) to expand equine dental care access and address the veterinarian shortage in Indiana.
Baird, a member of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, said House Enrolled Act 1490 will allow the Indiana Horse Racing Commission to license qualified individuals to perform teeth floating at licensed racetracks in the state. Horse racing had an economic impact of nearly $2 billion in Indiana in 2021.
Teeth floating is a dental procedure performed on horses to remove sharp edges and uneven surfaces on their teeth. The procedure is used to help maintain optimal dental health and prevents pain and discomfort for the horse.
"This legislation ensures racehorses can receive the dental care they need from trusted, experienced providers without unnecessary red tape," Baird said. "By allowing qualified individuals to perform this service under commission oversight, we're supporting horse health and the racing industry in Indiana."
Baird said the law also provides an exemption from state veterinary licensing requirements for commission approved providers, which will streamline care for racehorses while maintaining oversight.
Currently, the United States faces a critical shortage of veterinarians with an estimated need for 41,000 additional veterinarians by 2030.
Scams surge as public is inundated with phony texts demanding cash
New Space Force license plate design
Gun control bills stall in Illinois House
NWS freeze warning issued for region
Lawrenceville to flush water lines and clean cemetery
Lawrence County Unit #20 moving toward hiring principals
Railroad crossing project in Lawrence County planned in 2026
INDOT Knox County ramp closure
Southeastern Illinois serial killer's murder conviction stands
New business venture coming to downtown Vincennes
Lawrence County arrests
Origis Energy brings solar project online in Knox County
Red Hill Unit #10 to update district cellphone policy
Bridgeport City Council getting new police officer and water system operator
LCMH announces municipal medivac contract
Lawrence County Board updated on veterans initiative
IDOT bridges replacement project continues in Lawrence County
VA announces $112M grant opportunity to strengthen community-based suicide prevention efforts
Lawrence County bridge construction project
