The Vermont Statutes Online
The Statutes below include the actions of the 2024 session of the General Assembly.
NOTE: The Vermont Statutes Online is an unofficial copy of the Vermont Statutes Annotated that is provided as a convenience.
Title 13 : Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Chapter 008 : Humane and Proper Treatment of Animals
Subchapter 009 : USE OF DRUGS IN ANIMALS IN LIVESTOCK COMPETITIONS
(Cite as: 13 V.S.A. § 399)-
§ 399. Abuse; disqualification
(a) Any person found rein-whipping or otherwise whipping a horse in an animal pulling contest under this subchapter shall be automatically disqualified, and be ineligible to receive any award, premium, or trophy. The light use of reins applied to the hindquarters may be permitted on entry to the pit and while the team is making its draw. The use of reins for other than guiding the animals at any other time is prohibited.
(b) Any person found face-whipping cattle in an animal pulling contest shall be automatically disqualified and ineligible to receive any award, premium, or trophy. If a goad stick is used in the contest, it must be made of wood, not taped, and not more than 3/4 inches in diameter.
(c) Excessive violation of either subsection (a) or (b) of this section shall be deemed a violation of subdivision 352(2) of this title. (Added 1989, No. 270 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; amended 2003, No. 120 (Adj. Sess.), § 14.)