American Horse Publications: Communique

AHP Newsgroup: The Humane Society of the United States Applauds Court of Appeals Decision against Horse “Soring”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON (Nov. 17, 2008) — The Humane Society of the United States applauds a recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit upholding a U.S. Department of Agriculture ruling that Herbert and Jill Derickson of Tennessee violated the Horse Protection Act when they transported and entered a sored Tennessee Walking Horse, Just American Magic, in a 2002 horse show.

Soring involves the deliberate infliction of pain on the legs and feet of a horse, creating severe pain and forcing an exaggerated, high-stepping gait.

“This decision sends a clear message to anyone who abuses a Tennessee Walking Horse that the U.S. Department of Agriculture can and will strictly enforce the Horse Protection Act,” said Keith Dane, director of equine protection for The HSUS. “We commend the court for its decision and hope this case signals a renewed USDA resolve to protect Tennessee Walking Horses and other victims of soring.”

According to court documents, Herbert Derickson presented Just American Magic for pre-show inspection at the 34th Annual National Walking Horse Trainer’s Show. Two industry inspectors determined that Just American Magic was sore because he had bilateral scarring and thus did not comply with the Horse Protection Act. The horse was disqualified, and USDA initiated enforcement action.

In their appeal, the Dericksons claimed that there was insufficient evidence to show a violation of the Horse Protection Act, and that USDA lacked authority to pursue legal action once the Dericksons had been sanctioned by an industry self-regulatory organization.

The court rejected both claims, and upheld the USDA’s decision in full. According to the decision, this was not Herbert Derickson’s first soring offense. Less than a year earlier, he was issued an eight-month suspension and $600 fine for a bilateral soring violation involving Just American Magic.

In 1970, Congress passed the Horse Protection Act with the intent of eliminating soring. Despite this law and several state laws that ban the practice, soring is still widespread among the “Big Lick” Tennessee Walking Horse show industry as well as other gaited breeds.

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Media contact:

Heather Sullivan: 301.548.7778; hsullivan@humanesociety.org

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.

AHP has not verified the factual statements in any message and AHP assumes no responsibility for the contents of, or any damage resulting from, any communication in the Newsgroup. Publication in the Newsgroup is not an endorsement by the organization of any product, person, or policy.

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