In December 2025, a Mahoning County resident met with State Representative Monica Robb Blasdel (R-79) to discuss Ohio's criminal animal-cruelty statutes, specifically those involving horses.

David E. Wenger's discussion with Blasdel centered on the criminal reforms contained in the proposed Equine Partner Protection Act of 2025, a bill designed to change Ohio's equine-cruelty penalties throughout the state.

"For too long, some of the worst acts of cruelty against horses in Ohio have been treated as little more than misdemeanors," Wenger, who is also a Pennsylvania attorney, stated. "Our laws must recognize the seriousness of these crimes. Horses deserve protection, and law enforcement deserves the tools to hold offenders accountable."

In October 2025, horse remains were found at Pure Gold Stables in Salem by a woman who was about to sign a lease for the property. According to a sheriff's report following the discovery, deputies said all four skeletons appeared to have winter coats on, suggesting that the horses may have been dead since last winter.

Nobody has been charged in connection with the Pure Gold Stables incident.

During the December meeting, Wenger emphasized several reasons why they believe current Ohio laws for animal negligence and abuse are leaving "major gaps."

"For too long, some of the worst acts of cruelty against horses in Ohio have been treated as little more than misdemeanors," said Wenger. "Our laws must recognize the seriousness of these crimes. Horses deserve protection, and law enforcement deserves the tools to hold offenders accountable."

Wenger's proposed bill focuses on "loopholes and modernizing the criminal code."