Laws for Putting Up an Electric Horse Fence

Electric horse fences are popular because electric fencing is safer and less expensive than other types of fencing. An electric fence works by emitting a bolt of electricity via live wire, and when a horse touches an electric fence it receives an electric shock.

  1. Regulators

    • Equine laws and regulations are primarily derived from state and local governments. Before erecting an electric horse fence, equine owners should determine the state and local laws concerning horses.

    Animal Cruelty

    • Most states have animal cruelty laws concerning the treatment of horses and other animals. Horse owners will want to verify that electric fencing is not prohibited under the animal cruelty laws in their state. A horse owner's local Humane Society may be able to provide additional information concerning this issue.

    Locally

    • If a horse owner lives in a rural area, there may be no zoning laws or regulations concerning electric horse fencing. However, if a horse owner lives in an suburban area, there may be zoning laws or regulations concerning horse fencing that must be complied with. Horse owners who wish to erect an electric horse fence will first want to determine local zoning laws. If an electric horse fence is prohibited by local ordinance, a horse owner may apply for an exemption in some instances.

    Equine Liability

    • Many states require horse owners to provide notice of horses to protect third parties from potential accidents. In some states, renters may sue property owners who fail to post signs warning of horses on the property, even when the renter had adequate notice or should have known of the horses. Horse owners will want to learn the equine liability law in their respective state to protect against possible claims in the event of an accident. Horse owners should also verify that their insurance policy includes equine liability claims protection.

    Brand Laws

    • Many states have brand laws specifying where a brand may be located on a horse. A brand law may require the registration of horses with state or local officials. Brand laws also typically allow state officials to inspect horses when looking for stolen horses.