Did you hear that one about the Montgomery County Stable License?
Do you know how it all turned out in the end?
Do you know why it turned out that way?
The story is a doozy, so read on!
The Story
Last month, the Maryland horse community was rocked by the news that Montgomery County had mailed out to its stables new license renewal applications that were vastly longer, more complicated, and more onerous than in previous years. The new application required, among other things:
1. Detailed, to scale, site layouts, to include:
- all existing and proposed structures (e.g., barns, stables, run-in sheds, arenas, shelters, hay storage);
- residential dwellings and accessory buildings;
- fencing types and locations;
- gates and access points;
- driveways, roads, and parking areas;
- designated manure storage area (must comply with setback requirements and runoff controls);
- water sources (wells, hydrants, automatic watering systems);
- drainage and runoff control features; and
- pasture and turnout areas (including dimensions and rotation plans).
2. Operational details on things as varied as:
- “Waste Management Plan[s]”;
- “Stormwater Management”;
- “Proximity to Waterways, Wetlands”;
- “Wells”;
- “Fly, Odor, and Vector Control Measures”; and
- “Lighting and Security Plan[s].”
3. Medical records for all horses, whether:
- owned by the license holder;
- owned by boarders; or
- owned by clients.
4. An inspection by the Fire Marshall.
When the renewal packets appeared in the mail, we began receiving outraged calls and emails from stable owners and their clients. Several pointed out that complying with some of the demands could cost many thousands of dollars. Several also pointed out that the deadline for compliance was September 10, roughly three weeks from the postmark on the application packet, even though scheduled third party inspections/certificates would be required, and could take weeks to schedule.
It became clear that the Office of Animal Services’ (OAS’s) demands were unworkable, duplicative, and unnecessary in many respects, especially given that the State has had in place for years a very successful licensing and inspection program. Moreover, the new requirements would impact not just stable owners, but also their boarders, clients, veterinarians, and neighbors. The impact was not limited to Montgomery County because many worried that their home counties would follow suit.
In a series of follow up emails, OAS walked back some of their requirements, stating, for example: “For the current renewal cycle, please complete the application and provide the information and supporting documents that are currently available to you. Please do not delay your submission because an item is unclear or not yet available. OAS will review each submission individually and will contact you directly if additional information, clarification, or documentation is needed.”
Nevertheless the negative outcry continued and eventually, OAS walked everything back, telling stable owners in a September 4 email that: “Effective immediately, the Office of Animal Services is pausing the rollout of the updated stable permit application process and reverting to the previous permit application version.” OAS also confirmed that the $50 annual fee was still waived.
The Moral of the Story
So, who was responsible for the change of heart at OAS?
Well . . .
The Maryland Horse Council has decades of experience representing the horse industry and the equestrian community in governmental affairs. We knew that political pressure would be most effective, especially because this is an election year. So we did what all 21st-century trade associations do: we launched a social media campaign.
We told people what was going on and we urged them to contact their County Council members and the County Executive’s office. We gave clear and detailed contact information to make grassroots action easier. Many responded. Many took action. Many heard back from their Council members.
It is apparent from the cc’s on the emails that OAS later sent out that they had heard from the County Executive’s office; they had heard from several Council members; and they had heard from the leadership at OAS.
So, again, we ask…who was responsible for the change of heart at OAS?
All of you. It was all of you who reacted to our outreach and took the time and initiative to speak out.
This was a perfect illustration of why grassroots activism is so important. And it was a perfect illustration of why MHC’s experience and knowledge are so important to our community.
The Call to Action
Are you a Maryland Horse Council member? If not, we really do need your support.
Why?
- We are an all-volunteer organization.
- We receive no public money.
- Our work benefits the entire industry.
We need membership dues to cover our expenses.
Please join, if you have not, and please encourage your friends and contacts to join too.
It takes a village.