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

S 1241 (Idaho Code §25-3514B) protects the use of working animals in Idaho by preventing local governments from enacting stricter rules than state law that would ban or financially burden their use. It guarantees the right to use animals for specific duties like farming, ranching, transportation, logging, service, or entertainment (e.g., horseback riding, agritourism), while explicitly excluding cockfighting and dogfighting. The law prohibits counties, municipalities, or state agencies from creating ordinances that effectively end working animal use through undue financial hardship. This bill directly affects businesses and individuals relying on working animals for commerce or service, ensuring consistent statewide standards. It takes effect July 1, 2026.