What happens to Big Lick horses?

Are trainers in the Walking Horse Industry violating the Horse Protection Act?

Nearly every top “trainer” in the walking horse industry has a list of violations of the Horse Protection Act that would make even the most hardened animal exploiter blush. The abuse has become systemic and the big prizes the trainers and owners seek come at the World Championship event that seats about 30,000 people.

What is a horse Improvement Organization (HIO)?

An HIO is an organized group of people engaged in the promotion of horses through, among other things, the showing, exhibiting, sale, auction, or registration of horses. An HIO must apply to the USDA to certify its DQP Program.

Is the Walking Horse Trainers Association breaking the law?

Recently, a new board of directors for that Walking Horse Trainers Association was announced, and according to their track record, every single one of them has broken the law when it comes to horse soring.

How does APHIS monitor Hio compliance?

APHIS officials also monitor as many unaffiliated horse shows (i.e., horse shows that do not hire licensed DQPs) as time and resources allow. APHIS monitors HIO compliance by reviewing show management, HIO, and DQP reports that are filed with the agency, and by conducting audits of records maintained by the certified DQP programs.

Why do we love horse shows?

It is our strong desire to see that only sound horses are shown at every show, that judging is impartial, inspections are objective and that the best horse wins. Further, it is our fervent desire to see every horse show filled with enthusiastic fans wearing their “S.H.O.W.” buttons.

What has been added to the Code of practice for horses?

Also added more information on choosing an appropriate horse; minimum sizes for stables; importance of humane, effective and safe training; use of restraint; the inclusion of body condition scoring and horse passports. Latest version of the code of practice for the welfare of horses, ponies, donkeys and their hybrids added.

What is the Horse Protection Act (HPA)?

The purpose of the Horse Protection Act (HPA) is to prevent the cruel practice of soring horses. Congress amended the HPA in 1976 to enhance the Secretary of Agriculture’s (Secretary) ability to end soring of horses.

Can a DQP inspect a horse at a horse show?

B A DQP shall not inspect horses at any horse show, horse exhibition, horse sale or horse auction in which a horse or horses owned by a member of the DQP’s immediate family or the DQP’s employer are competing or are being offered for sale.

When is disqualification appropriate in Hpa cases?

Although disqualification is discretionary, the Judicial Officer, who issues final decisions and orders on behalf of the Secretary, has held that disqualification, in addition to the assessment of a civil penalty, is appropriate in almost every HPA case, including those cases involving first-time violators of the HPA.

Can a horse be examined with a whip?

According to the HPA, if whips, cigarette smoke, or other actions or paraphernalia are used to distract a horse during examination, the DQP shall: A. DQP shall be required to examine a horse

What is a horse and why is it important?

What is a horse? Horses are strong, intelligent, and social animals that live together in herds in the wild. All members of the horse family have just one toe (a hoof) on each foot.

Is it illegal to ride a horse on a road?

Unfortunately it is illegal, for any horse. Its a catch 22 though, on the road you get yelled at and possibly hit by people passing, but on the path you dont get anyone slowing down and its illegal. In very extenuating circumstances you won’t get done for it, but if police went by you can get in trouble.

What is the life of a sored horse?

The life of a sored horse is filled with fear and pain. While being sored, a horse can be left in his stall for days at a time, his legs covered in caustic chemicals and plastic wrap to “cook” the chemicals deep into his flesh.

Is it illegal to put a horse in pain and soring itself?

Putting a horse in pain and soring itself has been illegal since the 1970 Horse Protection Act was passed, but unfortunately, there has been little oversight of the industry, and the trainers have been allowed to continue to torture horses to this day.

What is the Australian Code of practice for transporting livestock?

Any activity that falls within the transport process (as defined in the Transport regulations) is to be undertaken in accordance with the adopted code of practice, Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Land Transport of Livestock. Abattoir – Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Livestock at Slaughtering Establishments

What are the animal codes of practice?

The codes are generally about keeping a particular type of animal (such as cattle, pigs or poultry) or about particular situations involving animals (such as circuses, at saleyards or abattoirs, or when being transported). The codes of practice are not comprehensive manuals on how to care for animals.

What is Appendix 10 of the Animal Welfare Code of practice?

Appendix 10 of the Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Laboratory Mice, Rats, Guinea Pigs and Rabbits — minimum standards of care, housing and welfare. Appendix 10 of the Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Laboratory Mice, Rats, Guinea Pigs and Rabbits — minimum standards of care, housing and welfare. Animal Welfare Victoria

What is a DQP under the HPA?

A DQP is a person who, under the provisions of Section 4 of the HPA, may be appointed and retained by the management of a horse show or sale to detect horses that are sored, and to otherwise inspect horses for the purpose of enforcing the Act.

What does it mean when a horse is on disqualification list?

The USDA informs horse show management if a person is on disqualification list and therefore is prohibited from showing. Horse show management strictly enforces this prohibition. The Respondent did not appear on any disqualification list when the horse was entered.

What is the authorization for disqualification?

Among the most notable devices to accomplish this end is the authorization for disqualification, which Congress specifically added to provide a strong deterrent to violations of the HPA. The HPA specifically provides that disqualification is in addition to any civil penalty assessed.

Are horse trainers allowed to torture horses?

Putting a horse in pain and soring itself has been illegal since the 1970 Horse Protection Act was passed, but unfortunately, there has been little oversight of the industry, and the trainers have been allowed to continue to torture horses to this day.

Is it legal to ride a horse alongside the road?

You just got to be able to make sure you don’t block any traffic or pedestrians’ right of way, that is totally fine. Not recommend to usually ride horses after dark alongside of the road, and you need to be at least 16 to be operating the horse while you are out there in the traffic area,” said Brandley.