The SHOW HIO has issued lifetime suspensions, pending a hearing, for Chris Zahnd, Wayne Dotson and Dallas Proctor for violations at the Woodbury Lions Club Horse Show last night (Saturday July 4, 2009) in Woodbury, Tenn. The suspensions are effective immediately. Dotson and Swingin’ Gate Stables presented an entry for inspection and Designated Qualified Persons (DQPs) Keith Davis and Tony Edwards found the entry to be in extreme discomfort.
In addition to Edwards and Davis, Co-Compliance Coordinator, Dr. Steve Mullins inspected the entry and SHOW issued violations for bad image, not leading, bilateral sensitivity and use of a cruel device to aid in checking. The results of that inspection will be turned over to the USDA, industry HIO’s and other appropriate authorities.
The individuals have twenty (20) days to request a hearing before a SHOW Hearing Committee; however, they will not be allowed to show or be on the grounds prior to the hearing process.
“We are very concerned and disappointed about the events of last night,” said SHOW CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows. “However this is why we have the inspection process and we are committed to the showing of sound horses. It is important for all of us to remember this is an isolated incident and will be dealt with swiftly and seriously. Overall I am very proud of the horses being presented this weekend and the industry doesn’t need to let isolated events undermine the great strides being made by SHOW and our inspectors," concluded Meadows.