Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) to expand equine dental care access and address the veterinarian shortage in Indiana.
Baird, a member of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, said House Enrolled Act 1490 will allow the Indiana Horse Racing Commission to license qualified individuals to perform teeth floating at licensed racetracks in the state. Horse racing had an economic impact of nearly $2 billion in Indiana in 2021.
Teeth floating is a dental procedure performed on horses to remove sharp edges and uneven surfaces on their teeth. The procedure is used to help maintain optimal dental health and prevents pain and discomfort for the horse.
"This legislation ensures racehorses can receive the dental care they need from trusted, experienced providers without unnecessary red tape," Baird said. "By allowing qualified individuals to perform this service under commission oversight, we're supporting horse health and the racing industry in Indiana."
Baird said the law also provides an exemption from state veterinary licensing requirements for commission approved providers, which will streamline care for racehorses while maintaining oversight.
Currently, the United States faces a critical shortage of veterinarians with an estimated need for 41,000 additional veterinarians by 2030.
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