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.
Ray Allison named next executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission
INvestABLE Indiana announces expanded eligibility criteria beginning January 1
Governor Braun announces record year for Indiana tourism
Rockville Parks Board continues working on quality of life improvements
Indiana advances coal ash permitting program
Indiana's state parks offer New Years Day events
Rockville Council strips Clerk-Treasurer of Town Manager duties
DNR receives regional award for project on former mine land near Pleasantville
ISP shopping safety tips
Riverton Parke's Emily Adams awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Parke County
BMV announces Christmas and New Year's Day holiday hours
Indiana launches Smart SNAP
Indiana 211: Connecting Hoosiers to holiday support and essential resources
Department of Homeland Security launches Worst of the Worst website
Governor Braun takes action to waive hours-of-service regulations for transporting propane
Two Indiana State Fair Commission executives elected to prominent national IAFE Positions, Indiana State Fair honored with multiple awards
Cover Crop Premium Discount Program available for Hoosier farmers, new pre-enrollment available
Indiana FSSA extends open enrollment for HIP and PathWays Plans through December 24
