Idaho Bills

Adds to existing law to provide for the protection of working animals.

The purpose of this legislation is to add a new section to Chapter 35, Title 25, Idaho code, to clarify and protect the lawful use of working animals in commerce and service. The bill affirms the right to utilize working animals for mutual benefit and welfare and prohibits state or local governments from enacting or enforcing ordinance, regulations, or rules that are more restrictive than state law or that effectively prohibit the lawful use of working animals or working animal enterprises. This legislation defines "working animal" for purposes of the new section and clarifies that the provisions do not apply to cockfighting or dogfighting, which remain governed by existing law. An emergency clause is included to ensure the provisions take effect on July 1, 2026.