Horses now protected 'pets' in Hawaii

HONOLULU — Horses are protected pets under Hawaii's cruelty-to-animals statute.

The newly amended law brings all equids — including ponies, mules, donkeys, asses, burros and zebras — under protection.

It is a felony in Hawaii to perform research on, torture, mutilate, poison or otherwise harm protected animals. The law states that animals injured without hope for recovery should be immediately euthanized without penalty.