Ill. to allow stable owners to enforce liens to cover veterinary bills, other costs

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. — Illinois lawmakers will now allow stable owners to use a lien law to maintain possession of a horse due to unpaid expenses, including veterinary care.

The new law allows stable owners to use a possessory lien for unpaid boarding and expenses, veterinary care costs, farrier bills or other professional services. If a horse owner doesn't pay, the stable owner can use the lien to sell the horse to recoup expenses.

House Bill 3012 was introduced Feb. 23 and signed into law Aug. 25. It will take effect Jan. 1, 2012.