KY HB687

Amends KRS 259.120 to require county judge/executives to contract with licensed veterinarians to document stray equines, including performing microchip scans and identifying lip tattoos, freeze brands, and other distinguishing features

Requires the Office of State Veterinarian to post stray equine notifications on its website, including front and side photographs of each animal

Allows county judge/executives to contract with animal sheltering organizations (with fiscal court approval) to perform stray equine duties, and grants immunity from criminal and civil liability for acts related to taking up and posting stray equines

Establishes that hold time for stray equines begins only after all documentation has been properly filed and posted; ownership vests after a 15-day holding period per KRS 259.130

Requires owners claiming stray equines to reimburse veterinary assessment costs and actual itemized keeping expenses; disputes may be filed in court, which tolls the holding period