Gipson Clarifies USDA Position
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Editor’s Note: In a document that was provided to all HIOs , Dr. Chester Gipson made the following comments:
The subject document attached is to clarify the comment I made “for all shows for HIOs not covered by an operating plan, that VMOs would write federal cases on everything the DQPs turn down”. Hopefully this document will clarify the inspection process related to the comment.
To clarify the inspection procedures at HIO affiliated shows that do not have an operating plan in place:
DQPs will inspect all horses that are to be shown. When VMOs are present, if the DQPs turn down a horse, two USDA VMOs may then inspect the horse. After inspection, if both VMOs agree that the horse is in violation, a federal case will be prepared. A federal case will not necessarily be written on every horse the DQPs turn down, however information will be gathered. Federal cases will only be prepared when VMOs are present and have actually inspected the horse.
VMOs will not routinely inspect every horse that the DQPs pass. If however, VMOs observe any indication that those horses should be inspected, such as irregular gait or other signs that the horse is not in compliance with the Horse Protection Act, VMOs may examine those horses. After examination, if both VMOs determine that the horse is in violation, a federal case will be prepared.