Murfreesboro, Tenn.—Tuesday, August 9, 2016 the first of five USDA public hearing sessions on the proposed rule that would ban the pad, action device and band, as well as eliminate industry regulation through Horse Industry Organizations (HIO) was held. The industry gathered in large numbers with a crowd in excess of 350 people. Of the attendees, at least 90% opposed the proposed rule by USDA-APHIS.
Moderating the meeting was Mr. Mike Tuck of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and USDA Deputy Administrator Bernadette Juarez was also in attendance for the session. Speaking on behalf of the Tennessee walking horse industry and opposing the rule were Stefan Maupin with the Tennessee Farm Bureau, Mike Inman of The Celebration, David Williams of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) as well as numerous members of the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA) and Dr. Jim Baum of the veterinary community. The WHAT had a particularly strong attendance from their members. Other speakers opposing the rule were board members of the Racking Horse Association and the Spotted Saddle Horse Association. In addition, multiple owners and breeders spoke about the substantial investment they have in the Tennessee walking horse and how the proposed rule would devastate the industry financially. Vendors, including feed stores, also spoke about the substantial loss the proposed rule would result in for their businesses.
In a coordinated effort by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and others resulted in a turnout of less than 20 people who support the proposed rule changes. Many speakers that were for the proposed rule changes agreed that the pad and action device did not cause any harm or soring to the horses.
Industry proponents spoke at length and on multiple occasions of the need for objective, science-based testing to determine violations and that the current inconsistent and false results. The Auburn Study was cited on many occasions as the only current science to examine the pad and action device and the study clearly showed that pads and action devices weighing six ounces or less do not harm or cause soring.
Approximately 200 people attended the public hearing in Lexington, KY on Wednesday August 10, 2016. An astounding 90% in attendance opposed the proposed rule change. The Lexington results mirror the 90% of the approximately 350 to 400 people in attendance at the Murfreesboro session earlier this week. The industry, which stands to be devastated by the rule, has shown its opposition in large numbers over the past two days.
Opening the hearing in Lexington was a letter from Congressman Hal Rogers (R-KY) that was read which outlined the disappointment in the USDA’s failure to follow Congress’ directive to work with the industry. This directive was included in Chairman Rogers appropriations language for the past several years. In addition, the letter expressed disappointment that the USDA is attempting to maneuver around Congress to issue this rule.
Representatives from Congressman Andy Barr’s (R-KY) office along with representatives from both Kentucky Republican Senators, Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, were in attendance in opposition to the USDA’s proposed rule. Rep. Rogers is Chairman of Appropriations and Senator McConnell is Senate Majority Leader. Also in attendance was newly elected President of the American Farriers’ Association, Jon Johnston. Mr. Johnston gave comments opposing the proposed rul. The impact of the new rules would be harmful to farriers and the currently allowed shoeing regulations in the Horse Protection Act have been proven by the USDA and other studies to cause no harm to horses.
In addition to the political leaders from Kentucky, the industry was once again represented by trainers, owners, breeders, show managers and affected businesses that would be negatively impacted by the new rules. The focus was again on the negative economic impact of the new rules as well as the existing science that proves pads, action devices and bands do not cause any harm or soring. Show managers also spoke against the rule as it would make it virtually impossible for shows to continue with the demands placed on show management.
USDA Administrator Kevin Shea even stated in September 2015 that the industry had every right to exist in its current form. This proposed rule is complete reversal of Shea’s statement before Congress.