Summary

Strengthens enforcement of the Horse Protection Act by expanding what is illegal, banning devices and practices that cause or hide soring, and setting mandatory disqualification periods for horses found sore. It creates a USDA-licensed inspector program, requires show and sale events to use these inspectors and pay them, and directs USDA to publish inspection and violation information. Penalties increase with higher fines and possible prison time for violations, including for ignoring disqualification orders or failing to pay licensed inspectors. USDA must issue implementing regulations within 180 days.

Key Points

• Targets devices and methods that cause or conceal soring and makes them illegal.
• Creates a USDA-licensed inspector program that events must use and pay for.
• Requires USDA to publish inspection and violation information for public transparency.
• Imposes mandatory disqualification periods for horses found sore.
• Raises penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment for violations.
• Adds penalties for ignoring disqualification orders or failing to pay inspectors.
• Updates findings and definitions to close loopholes and clarify enforcement.
• Orders USDA to issue regulations within 180 days.

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