Equestrian News Release
WASHINGTON (Jan. 3) -- The Humane Society of the United States is pleased to announce the appointment of Keith Dane to the position of director of equine protection. Prior to joining The HSUS, Dane was executive director of Friends of Sound Horses, an organization he helped establish to eliminate cruelties in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry.

In his new position, Dane will work on a number of equine-related issues, including cruelty, slaughter, the care of sport, show and pleasure horses, the training and transport of horses, and disease recognition and prevention. He also will promote the concept of companion horses as a lifetime responsibility and work to increase understanding of what is an appropriate and humane level of care for these animals.

“Keith brings not only a wealth of knowledge and understanding of horses to this important position but a dedication to and passion for their protection,” said Holly Hazard, chief innovation officer for The HSUS. “We at The Humane Society of the United States are extremely pleased Keith will head up our efforts to work to improve the quality of life for all equines.”

For the past three years, Dane has worked with The HSUS and other animal protection organizations to pass federal legislation to ban the slaughter of American horses for human consumption overseas. He is a licensed judge with many gaited breed organizations and is a co-founder of one of the main show circuits for the sound gaited horse community, created as an alternative to the ‘Big Lick” shows that can involve cruelty in training.

Dane has been involved with horses for more than 35 years. He was a co-founder of the International Plantation Walking Horse Association in 1988 and served as its president for several years. He has also served as president of the NY State Plantation Walking Horse Club, the Plantation Walking Horses of Maryland, and Friends of Sound Horses. Dane has been a licensed judge for the Independent Judges Association since 1999. He served on the board of FOSH as IJA Director of Judges in 2000.

“I’m delighted to be associated with The Humane Society of the United States. Our goal will be to revolutionize the way Americans perceive and interact with the equine species in this country,” Dane said. “I look forward to working with the industry, the animal protection community and the government to ensure that all equines receive the respect, care and protection they deserve.”