Friday, November 27, 2015

Basics Of The Equine Law

By Marci Nielsen


The law profession is wide and it has dedicated branches to handle various aspects in it. Equine law is one of the branches. In Dedham, MA, this branch is concerned with the horse industry in its entirety in addition to all matters and industries related to horses. Matters that relate to horses are many and very diverse and they include purchases, sales, transportation, leasing, and boarding among others.

The first responsibility of lawyers in this field is to keep their clients out of possible liability. Clients may be horse owners, riders, trainers, and learners. It is common to hear people asking if lawyers in this branch of law make enough money because it seems like there are no clients. Such beliefs are mistaken, because clients are always available. The horse industry is a big one and has many individuals and businesses that need to be represented legally.

Many lawyers have shifted from other branches to specialize as equine lawyers. Many ambitious attorneys avoid this field because they do not think it is attractive enough. They opt for more common fields such as prosecution, judges, and corporate law. With that happening, the field that deals with horses is left with very little lawyers, which makes it even more attractive. Additionally, one can specialize in other fields if they want.

Clients in this field differ in their kind. Lawyers get hired by individuals, partnerships, government agencies, limited companies, or corporations. The clients can be regular or only available one time. One-time clients include grooms that need their paperwork done when leasing horses for weddings. The groom needs legal cover in case some unforeseen events occur, because such events are likely to occur.

Attorneys perform diverse duties to clients depending on the nature of a case. Although there are many responsibilities, the basic ones include reviewing, negotiating, and drafting contracts to be used by non-professionals and professionals. Examples of contracts drawn are related to breeding, leasing, purchases, labor, boarding, and liability waivers. The separate and special treatment of horses under the law results from the fact that they are unique. The uniqueness results from being able to work as athletes, vehicles, draught animals, assets, food source, and a means of transport.

Lawyers also assist clients with matters related to tax, immigration, and insurance. Horses involve a lot of tax issues and it is the responsibility of the lawyer to resolve tax disputes with the government in question. They also handle issues that result from grazing and zoning with land owners.

Horses are placed under strict laws when it comes to migration. Before one can move a horse from one place or country to another, a lot of paperwork must first be drawn and filed. Insurance issues involved are also many and complicated. One can hire a lawyer on full-time basis or as a consultant.

Different jurisdictions have different charges or rates. The fees may also depend on the specific issues involved in the case. However, governments place caps on fees so that professionals do not exploit clients.




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