American Horse Council Formally Requests USDA Delay New HPA Regulations

Julie Broadway, President of the American Horse Council (AHC), has requested a 60-day delay in implementing the revised Horse Protection Act (HPA) regulation, currently set for February 1, 2025. The AHC supports strong protections against the illegal practice of horse soring but argues that the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is not prepared for fair and consistent enforcement.

Key concerns include unclear guidelines, inadequate inspector training, and lack of accessible resources for the equine community. The AHC suggests postponing enforcement, except for provisions banning soring-related devices on Tennessee Walking Horses and racking horses, while encouraging voluntary compliance for other elements. Recommendations include creating clear guidance documents, organizing public engagement sessions, consulting with breed organizations, and publishing FAQs. The AHC remains committed to working with USDA-APHIS to improve implementation, emphasizing the need for education, clarity, and resources to ensure compliance and protect horse welfare effectively.