08/31/2026
UPDATE: received emails from Caroline Hairfield (exec director of Office of Animal Services) over the last 24 hours backpedaling on the newly evaluated prior regulations that must be done by deadline. Don’t let up on the letter writing campaign. Horses are LIVESTOCK and they have zero need for your horses veterinary records. Inspections can (and always have been) one way authorities ensure horses are cared for. I’ve called County Animal Control three times in my 30+ years running Bascule. Not once did they do anything but pass the buck. They wouldn’t even help get law enforcement involved and two were repeat offenders with long history of animal abuse complaints. OAS has a long way to go..time to focus inward.
BARN FAMILIES! All stables in Montgomery County have been blindsided by "new regulations" from the County concerning licensing our stables. Including a Sept 10 due date to file a very extensive form and have at least 4 Inspections completed with written reports.
Remember we have been regulated by the STATE for MANY years. The state manages our Nutrient Management Plans (pastures, run off, animals per acre etc) and they are updated regularly including soil tests, arial photos, and number of animals. There are multiple places where the County requirements are contradictory to the State requirements.
The County is now requiring HEALTH INSPECTION CERTIFICATES and VACCINATION CERTIFICATES by a Licensed Vet on ALL horses (though the statute only says "for Hire" (ie lesson horses). The cost to meet these requirements will be passed on to all the owners.
What you can do right now to help. Horses are LIVESTOCK and as such, do not need the level of reporting on personal health as do your house pets. Adding more regulations will continue to push out these farms as it's already hard to find places to keep your horse with additional taxes and regulations. We are already regulated by the state, and though ensuring lesson horses are properly cared for at the local (county level) is a good thing, regulation can and will rid the county of all riding opportunities for budding equestrians. Common sense laws to help horses are one thing, micro managing horse farms are another.
Contact your County Council Representative, find who your rep is here: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/government/legislative-branch/county-council/councilmembersand
the County Executive Mark Elrich [email protected]
CC the new Executive Director of the Office of Animal Services, Caroline Hairfield [email protected].
and the Office Services Coordinator [email protected]
