Representative Scott DesJarlais (R-TN) reintroduced a bill, H.R. 1157, on February 14th, to amend the Horse Protection Act (HPA) that would eliminate the current inconsistent and subjective inspection methods and replace them with objective, science-based inspections. Rep. DesJarlais’s bill mirrors the bill he introduced in the previous two Congresses, which was originally introduced by Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee’s newly elected Senator.

The new protocols for inspection would be based upon expert veterinarian input and be administered by a single enforcement entity under the HPA. Currently the HPA is enforced by multiple HIOs that all have different rules and enforcement guidelines.  DesJarlais’ bill also calls for increased penalties for any violator of the HPA.

The original list of cosponsors includes Phil Roe (R-TN-1), Tim Burchett(R-TN-2), Chuck Fleishmann (R-TN-3), John Rose (R-TN-6), Mark Green (R-TN-7) and David Kustoff (R-TN-8) from Tennessee. James Comer (R-KY-1), Brett Guthrie (R-KY-2), Hal Rogers (R-KY-5) and Andy Barr (R-KY-6) are the cosponsors from Kentucky.  The Walking Horse industry is dominated by Tennessee and Kentucky, which speaks to the overwhelming support DesJarlais’ bill has in the states most affected by the Walking Horse industry.