Copyright 2012 Walking Horse Report
USDA has received questions on its final rule requiring Horse Industry Organizations and Associations to assess and enforce mandatory penalties under the Horse Protection Act and have issued the following notice.
“This notice clarifies that individuals found to be in violation by an HIO are only suspended from participating in the shows, exhibitions, sales or auctions that the HIO issuing the suspensions is affiliated with, and are not precluded under the final rule from participating in shows affiliated with other HIO’s.”
The USDA went on to say that HIO’s and show managers can still choose to honor suspensions issued by other HIO’s, as many currently do. Additionally, all HIO’s and show managers are required under the HPA to recognize USDA federal disqualification periods.
Click Here to view the USDAs letter to all HIOs.