SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed legislation authored by Rep. Ami Wazlawik (DFL – White Bear Township) to help retired racehorses lead full and productive lives after their racing careers are over. The bill passed with a vote of 101 to 30.
“This Old Horse: Phoenix Farm and other nonprofit organizations provide care and useful work for retired racehorses,” said Rep. Wazlawik. “There is excess revenue in the Breeders’ Fund that can be used to support these organizations and the animals they serve. The bipartisan legislation we passed today will help many horses live full and productive lives instead of being slaughtered once their racing careers are over.”
The bill will allocate approximately $184,000 from Minnesota’s Breeders’ Fund in 2023. These excess funds will help provide food, veterinary care, and other necessities to retired racehorses. Funds will also be used to retrain the animals so they can serve as therapy horses, police horses, and more.
The Breeders’ Fund, which is primarily supported by fees assessed on wagers at racetracks and card clubs, is used to promote horse breeding in Minnesota. Thanks to a significant increase in sports wagering during the COVID-19 pandemic, the fund now has more money than it can spend. Under this legislation, excess revenue from the Breeders’ Fund would be used to support horses after their careers at the track come to an end.
A video of today’s floor debate can be found on House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel.