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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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Horse Adoption: Enrich your life and make a difference in the life of a horse ❤️.

Eley and Sherrie E., an Oklahoma couple with a deep affection for horses, expanded their herd by adopting two horses from the ASPCA’s Equine Adoption and Transition Center (ETAC) in El Reno, Oklahoma. Initially, they welcomed King, a 3-year-old blue roan, into their family. During the adoption process, Eley noticed Chief, a timid 9-year-old bay…

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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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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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Lawyers appeal dismissal of Washington County lawsuit filed on horse’s behalf – News – The Register-Guard – Eugene, OR

PORTLAND — Attorneys for a once-neglected horse are filling an appeal after an Oregon judge dismissed their lawsuit last year, finding that animals don't have a right to sue.The Oregonian/OregonLive reports lawyers from the Animal Legal Defense Fund sued the horse's former owner for lifelong costs of medical care.The horse named Justice was discovered in…

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Reporting Animal Abuse and Immunity from Civil Liability

Oklahoma law protects veterinarians from civil liability for reporting suspected animal abuse so long as the report is made in good faith.  More precisely veterinarians are required to report suspected animal abuse to authorities within 24 hours of "of any examination or treatment administered to any animal which the veterinarian reasonably suspects and believes has been abused."…