On July 16, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced its intention to revise and extend an existing information collection integral to enforcing the federal Horse Protection Act (HPA). This action, published in the Federal Register, opens a public comment period until September 14, 2026. It invites stakeholders to provide feedback on the agency's data collection processes aimed at preventing the illicit practice of 'soring' horses. The notice highlights APHIS's continuous effort to refine its regulatory framework and ensure the integrity of equine events nationwide.
Understanding the Horse Protection Act and Soring
The Horse Protection Act, originally enacted in 1970 and amended in 1976, serves as the cornerstone of federal efforts to combat 'soring.' This inhumane practice involves applying chemical or mechanical irritants to a horse's limbs to induce an exaggerated, high-stepping gait. This creates what appears to be a desirable performance style but causes significant pain and distress to the animal. The HPA prohibits the showing, exhibiting, selling, or auctioning of sored horses, recognizing that such practices give an unfair advantage to those who inflict this cruelty. The regulations found in Title 9, Chapter I, Part 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations outline the procedures for implementing this critical law.
The Regulatory and Enforcement Framework
APHIS plays a central role in the enforcement of the HPA, working in conjunction with Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs) and Designated Qualified Persons (DQPs). HIOs are responsible for certifying DQP programs, which then deploy DQPs to inspect horses at HPA-regulated events for compliance. These DQPs are trained to detect signs of soring or other non-compliant conditions. The regulatory framework also delineates responsibilities for event management and horse transporters, creating a multi-layered approach to oversight. APHIS actively monitors HIO performance, conducting training sessions, conference calls, and issuing guidance to ensure effective enforcement and communication among all involved parties. The agency collects data from these HIOs and event managers to assess progress and refine strategies for eliminating soring and promoting fair competition. Contact for Horse Protection Act Regulations is Ms. SaMonia Ford, APHIS, Animal Care, at 970-494-7478 or [email protected].
Details of the Information Collection Revision
The current Federal Register notice specifically addresses APHIS's compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This act requires federal agencies to obtain public comment and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval before collecting certain information from the public. APHIS is requesting a three-year extension of its approval for information collection activities under OMB Control Number 0579-0056. Significantly, APHIS has amended this collection by decreasing the estimated number of respondents. This adjustment has resulted in a corresponding decrease in the reported annual number of responses and the total burden hours on those who respond. The agency now estimates an average of 1.235 hours per response, with 380 annual respondents, totaling 1,934 annual responses and 2,389 total annual burden hours. For more information on the information collection reporting process, contact Ms. Sheniqua Harris, APHIS' Paperwork Reduction Act Coordinator, at (301) 851-2528 or [email protected].
The Purpose of the Public Comment Period
The solicitation for public comment serves several critical functions. APHIS aims to evaluate the necessity and practical utility of its information collection, ensuring that the data gathered is essential for its functions. Furthermore, it seeks feedback on the accuracy of its burden estimates, inviting input on the methodology and assumptions used. The agency also endeavors to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the collected information and to explore ways to minimize the burden on respondents, including through the use of automated or electronic submission technologies. All comments received will be summarized and included in APHIS's request for OMB approval, becoming a matter of public record. Comments can be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov by searching for APHIS-2026-0433, or by postal mail to Docket No. APHIS-2026-0433, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, 5601 Sunnyside Ave., #AP760, Beltsville, MD 20705.
Broader Implications and Perspectives
This revision signals APHIS's ongoing adaptive approach to regulatory oversight. While a decrease in estimated respondent burden might suggest a streamlining of processes, stakeholders will be keen to understand if this impacts the efficacy of enforcement or reflects changes in the regulated community. For HIOs and DQPs, optimized data collection could reduce administrative overhead, allowing for greater focus on field inspections. For animal welfare advocates, the focus remains on whether these procedural adjustments bolster or inadvertently weaken the protective measures against soring. The integrity of the data collected is paramount for APHIS to accurately assess the prevalence of soring and the effectiveness of its programs. The HPA's administrative proceedings, outlined in Title 9, Chapter I, Part 12, also rely on robust information, underscoring the importance of this collection.
