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Stray Equine Holding Times
In Kentucky, a horse is not considered abandoned until its photo is posted in the sheriff's department for 90 days to give the horse's owner ample time to come claim their horse. Ninety days is a long time to have to house and feed someone else's horse. Kentucky has the second longest holding period. Most states require a holding time of 10 days or less (see chart below). Legislation is needed to change this. Click here for more on Legislation.
| Minnesota - 6 days | Oklahoma - 14 days |
| Alaska - 10 days | Alabama - 15 days |
| Colorado - 10 days | Louisiana - 20 days |
| Florida - 10 days | North Carolina - 20 days |
| Georgia - 10 days | Pennsylvania - 20 days |
| Illinois - 10 days | Arkansas - 30 days |
| Indiana - 10 days | New Mexico - 30 days |
| Maryland - 10 days | New York - 30 days |
| Mississippi - 10 days | North Dakota - 30 days |
| Missouri - 10 days | Oregon - 45 days |
| Nebraska - 10 days | Montana - 60 days |
| Nevada - 10 days | Maine - 60 days |
| Ohio - 10 days | New Jersey - 90 Days |
| Tennessee - 10 days | KENTUCKY - 90 Days |
| Utah - 10 days | Wyoming - 1 year |
| Vermont - 10 days | |
| Virginia - 10 days | |
| Washington - 10 days | |
| West Virginia - 10 days | |
| Wisconsin - 10 days | |
| Arizona - 14 days | |
| California - 14 days |