Bill to improve consumer protection and animal health and safety in equine sales passes House
Rep. Liz Hanbidge June 24, 2026 | 3:07 PM
House Bill 2555 sponsored by state Rep. Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, passed the House today.
The bill would strengthen safeguards for Pennsylvania's equine industry by establishing clear documentation requirements for horses sold by dealers. The legislation would require records including a negative equine infectious anemia test, documentation of identifying markers such as tattoos, brands or microchips, interstate certificates of veterinary inspection for horses entering Pennsylvania, and other records as appropriate.
By improving recordkeeping and traceability in equine sales, the bill would help limit the spread of infectious diseases and enable quicker responses to potential outbreaks. Enhanced documentation would also provide buyers with greater confidence, encourage responsible business practices, and promote a more transparent marketplace.
“This bill is a practical step forward for both animal health and consumer protection,” Hanbidge said. “Pennsylvania’s horse industry supports agriculture, recreation, tourism, entertainment and thousands of jobs, making its long-term health and integrity essential to our economy.
“For too long, inconsistent documentation and uneven standards in dealer and auction sales have created unnecessary risks for disease prevention and animal traceability. As concerns grow over emerging threats such as the New World screwworm, it is more important than ever that we have systems in place to quickly identify and track animal movement. By closing these gaps, House Bill 2555 will strengthen oversight, provide greater confidence to horse owners and buyers, and help protect an industry that plays a vital role across the Commonwealth.”
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CONTACT: Molly Peters
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: mpeters@pahouse.net
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