New Orleans, LA. - The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit Court heard arguments today in Contender Farms, LLP vs. USDA.  The appeal centers around the USDA's implementation of the minimum penalty protocol.

The original decision in favor of the USDA was rendered by Judge Terry Means in the Fort Worth District.  The three judge panel hearing today's oral arguments was comprised of the Honorable David Godbey, the Honorable Grady Jolly and the Honorable Edith Jones.

Funding for the appeal has been supplemented with donations from The Foundation for the Advancement and Support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse (FAST) and the Performance Show Horse Association (PSHA).  It is expected that a decision from the court is likely to come near the end of the year.

Click here to listen to the oral arguments