The USDA Horse Protection Program 2010 Points of Emphasis were released to all recognized Horse Industry Organizations today, March 9, 2010.  In the HIO conference call just hours after receipt of the points of emphasis many questions were raised by all of the HIO’s.

Since USDA personnel could only be on the call for an hour, the participants on the call were directed to send their questions to a central clearing house to be forwarded to the USDA for comments and clarification.  The USDA promised to get back to the HIO’s as soon as possible with answers to their questions.

According to SHOW HIO officials, SHOW will continue to implement the policies, procedures and penalties released recently in its 2010 rulebook.  These policies and procedures have been developed with careful consideration of the Horse Protection Act and Horse Protection Regulations.  SHOW will continue to follow all requirements contained in the Horse Protection Act and Horse Protection Regulations.

SHOW is planning to follow up with the USDA along with the other HIOs with questions clarifying many points contained within the 2010 Points of Emphasis.  “I have a meeting Monday at 1:00pm with USDA in Washington, D.C.  We have worked very hard to make sure the policies, procedures and penalties in our 2010 rulebook accomplish our goal of enforcing the Horse Protection Act diligently and completely.  At this point we are confident they comply with the requirements of the HPA and HPR and we intend to enforce our rulebook and enforce the HPA in cooperation with the USDA this year” said SHOW President Dr. Stephen L. Mullins.

Click here to read the USDA Horse Protection Program 2010 Points of Emphasis