(1) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that:
Horses are a cherished part of our western heritage and an important aspect of
Colorado's culture and economy;
Colorado is facing a growing threat of an increasing number of unwanted horses;
Approximately six thousand horses become unwanted in Colorado each year;
Most of Colorado's horse rescue facilities are operating at capacity and, as such, theirability to care for additional unwanted horses is limited;
Documented incidences of horse abuse and neglect are rising; and
The Colorado unwanted horse alliance, a registered nonprofit organization pursuantto section 501 (c)(3) of the internal revenue code, exists to help find solutions to the problem.
(2) In order to assist the Colorado unwanted horse alliance in fulfilling its mission, the general assembly recognizes that many citizens of Colorado may be willing to provide moneys to assist in its efforts. It is therefore the intent of the general assembly to provide Coloradans the opportunity to support the efforts of the Colorado unwanted horse alliance by allowing citizens to make a voluntary contribution on their state income tax returns to the unwanted horse fund for such purpose.
Source: L. 2010: Entire part added, (SB 10-139), ch. 305, p. 1440, § 1, effective August 11.