Horse license plate available

Purchasing the license plate will benefit horses in need around the state.

STAFF REPORT

COLUMBUS — A new specialty license plate recognizing the horse industry is now available through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

House Bill 293 gave the BMV the authority to issue the Ohio Horse license plate through the Special Plates program. The plates cost $30 annually, in addition to the usual registration fees.

A portion of the plate fees — $20 — will go to benefit the Ohio Coalition for Animals. The coalition will disperse the funds throughout the state to assist with the challenges facing the horse industry of Ohio.

“As with other special plates, the BMV supports legislature’s implementation of this plate,” said BMV Registrar Mike Rankin. “We are proud to offer such a wide variety of special plates for Ohioans who wish to support a cause or express themselves.”

According to the Ohio Coalition of Animals, horses cost owners a minimum $1,825 a year not including the cost of veterinary care and farriers. Veterinary and farrier costs as well as boarding one horse can easily reach $5,000 annually.

Purchasing the Ohio Horse license plate will benefit horses in need around the state, from those coming off the race tracks to horses that are abandoned, abused or neglected. Funds also will be used for owner education and scholarship opportunities.

Horse plates can be ordered online at www.oplates.com, or requests for special plates may be made at any Deputy Registrar office, or by calling the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at (800) 589-TAGS.

These plates also may be ordered as reserved or personalized plates with additional applicable fees. They may be issued to passenger vehicles, noncommercial trucks and trailers, motor homes and house vehicles.