The U.S. Department of Agriculture has amended the Horse Protection Act to allow for the screening, training, and authorization of qualified individuals to detect and diagnose soring at horse shows, exhibitions, sales, or auctions. Soring is a cruel practice that involves chemically or physically irritating horses to enhance their gait for competitions.
The new rule prohibits sored horses from participating in events covered by the Horse Protection Act, which was originally passed in 1970 to prevent the intentional soring of certain horse breeds. The American Quarter Horse Association has stated that the new rule will not negatively impact its members, and efforts are being made to contest or delay its implementation.
The updated regulations under the Horse Protection Act include eliminating industry self-regulation, prohibiting devices or substances that can cause soring, and implementing stricter inspection processes. The Act covers various horse events, exhibitions, and sales, but excludes races, rodeo events, and certain other activities. Additional information can be found on the APHIS website.
