Copyright WHR 2007

 

Editor’s Note:  The Report has obtained a copy of the following letter from W. Ron DeHaven, Administrator of the United States Department of Agriculture, to Chuck Cadle, Executive Director of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association.

 

May 30, 2007

 

 

 

Mr. Charles Cadle

Executive Direct

Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association

P. O. Box 286

Lewisburg, TN  37091

 

Dear Mr. Cadle,

 

As you requested, we have reviewed the Sanctioning Plan for Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs), as proposed by the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA).

 

Our review found the plan to be consistent with the intent of the Horse Protection Act (HPA) and the supporting regulations.  Acceptance of, and adherence to, the Plan by the HIOs should not only promote unification of the industry, but also improve and enhance uniformity and consistency in the HIOs’ enforcement of the HPA.

 

There is one part of the plan that may require special attention.  Previous discussions with HIOs have highlighted an inability to identify qualified members of the public to serve on their hearing committees.  This inability has lead to some less than judicious actions on the part of those committees resulting in the need for USDA to pursue enforcement actions against violators.

 

We are encouraged by your focus on proper judging criteria and oversight of the judging program.  Expansion of HIO oversight beyond the inspection area can only promote better compliance with the HPA.

 

We do appreciate TWHBEA’s efforts to unify the industry in support of better enforcement of the HPA and hope it will lead to a productive partnership.

 

Sincerely,

 

W. Ron DeHaven

Administrator

United States Department of Agriculture

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Washington, DC  20250