United States District Judge Terry R. Means has granted the USDA's motion for summary judgment and denied the plaintiffs' motion.  The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are SHOW, Inc., Contender Farms and Mike McGartland.  If the decision is upheld, the USDA's minimum penalty protocol will be a requirement for certified HIOs under the Horse Protection Act.

The plaintiffs are in the process of reviewing the opinion to determine next steps which could include an appeal.
To read the decision by Judge Means Click Here