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Appeals Court Upholds $210K Fine Against Horse Dealer for Interstate Transport Violations

In a significant ruling from the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, the court upheld a $210,000 fine imposed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) against Jason Fabrizius and Fabrizius Livestock LLC, a Colorado-based horse dealer. The case revolved around violations of federal livestock transportation regulations, including failure to obtain required documentation when transporting horses across state lines.

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Galloping into Legal Battle: Northern District of Texas Reins in USDA Overreach in Tennessee Walking Horse Case

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas vacates key provisions of the USDA's HPA 2024 Rule which aimed to eradicate the cruel practice of "soring" in horses.

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HPA Final Rule Postponement

Today, the USDA via APHIS announced a 60-day postponement of the the Horse Protection Act (HPA) stating in part “[o]n January 24, 2025, APHIS temporarily postponed our final rule to amend the HPA regulations for 60 days from February 1 to April 2, 2025.” To read the announcement in its entirety, click here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/hpa

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Major Changes Coming to the Horse Protection Act in 2025

As of January 23, 2025, the USDA/APHIS website continues to show an effective date of February 1, 2025. The Horse Protection Act (HPA), a cornerstone in protecting horses from the cruel practice of soring, is set to undergo significant amendments. These changes, published by APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) in May 2024, aim to modernize enforcement and ensure better oversight. Here’s what you need to know:

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American Horse Council (AHC) urges delay in implementation of Horse Protection Act changes.

The American Horse Council (AHC) has formally requested that the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) delay the implementation of the revised Horse Protection Act (HPA) regulations, currently set for February 1, 2025, by 60 days.

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Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting – Back on a Voluntary Reporting Again…

Nothing says a hotly contested and outright confusing mandate like the FinCEN BOI reporting mandate which appears to be, once again, on hold. A voluntary reporting is currently being encouraged. Review the latest on the ongoing litigation by visiting the following site. You can also signup for emailed notifications from FinCEN. Likely a good idea…

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Changes are coming to the Horse Protection Act starting February 1, 2025.

Changes are coming to the Horse Protection Act (HPA) starting February 1, 2025. 🗓️ These updates aim to strengthen protections against the cruel practice of soring and enhance welfare standards for horses nationwide.

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Proposed HISA Rules Published for Stakeholder Review – BloodHorse

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's Standing Advisory Committees and the independent U.S. Anti-Doping Agency published initial drafts Nov. 11 of proposed rules on hisaus.org for public comment.  — Read on http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/254868/proposed-hisa-rules-published-for-stakeholder-review

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Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission Publishes “Unofficial” Updates to Rules

The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission publishes a link to what it refers to as the "unofficial" updates to the Oklahoma Rules of Racing effective September 11, 2021.

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When can equine drug testing violate due process?

https://apple.news/AjhecmjWeSsGxZ5sGsrAJnw Kentucky Derby winner tests positive for anti-inflammatory and Baffert doesn’t feel safe training anymore. Have drug testing thresholds become arbitrary with no rational relationship to safety in racing? Read more …