The American Farm Bureau Federation sent a letter in support of the goals of S. 1455, the Horse Protection Amendments Act of 2019, to the legislation’s sponsor Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN). American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall also copied bill cosponsors, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) on the letter of support.  
 
The letter of support specifically points out the inclusion of objective, science-based inspection protocols that will help eliminate any form of intentional soring at events.  The letter specifically states, “enforcement of the HPA relative to soring has been handicapped by the lack of reliable, science-based inspection protocols to ensure uniformity across inspectors at walking horse industry events.”

American Farm Bureau Federation also supports the formation of a single Horse Industry Organization (HIO) with veterinarian and expert horse industry leaders to provide leadership to inspector licensing and inspection protocols.  The letter applauds Senator Alexander’s leadership on the issue stating, “Your leadership on this issue is appreciated by our grassroots members, who are passionate about breeding, training, and enjoying the companionship of horses.”

Click here to view the letter from AFBF President Zippy Duvall to Senator Alexander