Editor's Note - The following information was obtained from the USDA-APHIS web site.

To support Horse Protection Act (HPA) enforcement in 2014, IES opened 164 cases; issued 426 official warnings; and through USDA’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC), obtained 41 administrative orders assessing $44,500 in civil penalties and disqualifying 24 individuals from participating in HPA-regulated activities.  

With respect to administrative orders, APHIS obtained two decisions and orders issued by an Administrative Law Judge finding that a horse trainer committed two violations of the HPA, resulting in assessment of a $4,400 a civil penalty and two-year disqualification from showing or entering any horse or otherwise participating in any horse show, exhibition, or sale.  APHIS also negotiated many administrative consent decisions under the HPA, resulting in the disqualification of approximately eighteen individuals from showing or entering any horse, or otherwise participating in any horse show, exhibition, or sale, and the collective assessment of over $30,000 in civil penalties.

Totals FY 2014
Cases Initiated 164
Warnings 426
Settlement Agreements 0
Stipulated Penalties Assessed 0
Non-Monetary Stipulations 0
Referrals to OGC 46 (alleged violators)
25 (cases)
Administrative Complaints 28
Administrative Decisions 41
Civil Penalties Assessed $44,500

Totals FY 2015 (Mid Year)
Cases Initiated 207
Warnings 223
Settlement Agreements 1
Stipulated Penalties Assessed $1,500
Non-Monetary Stipulations 0
Referrals to OGC 23 (alleged violators)
13 (cases)
Administrative Complaints 16
Administrative Decisions 8
Civil Penalties Assessed $4,400