In enforcing the HPA, AC oversees the Designated Qualified Person (DQP) program. DQP's are trained and licensed by USDA-certified horse industry organizations or associations to detect sored horses. DQP's are responsible for barring from shows horses that do not meet the HPA regulations. To ensure DQP's continue to adhere to HPA standards, AC personnel conduct randomly scheduled unannounced inspections at horse shows and sales.

For those who violate the HPA, APHIS can impose criminal or civil charges. If convicted, violators can spend up to 2 years in prison, receive penalties of up to $5,000, and be disqualified for 1 or more years from the right to show, exhibit, or sell horses through auction sales. Trainers can be disqualified for life.

In addition to the HPA, many State and local governments have passed animal welfare legislation. The public is encouraged to work with Federal, State, and local officials as well as local humane organizations to help eliminate inhumane treatment of animals.

Horse Protection Technology Educational Meetings:
Animal Care is holding a series of free educational meetings to present current information on new technology being explored for use in the enforcement of the Horse Protection Act. The first meeting was in July. The next meeting is planned for September 24, 2004 in Springfield, MO See details here. Future meetings will be announced as planning is completed.

Most Recent

Horse Protection Act: List of Designated Qualified Persons (DQP). Docket No. 01-047-1 (pdf)

Legal and Technical Documents

• The Horse Protection Act
• HPA Regulations
  • Horse protection regulations
  • Rules of practice governing proceedings under the Horse Protection Act
• Responsibilities of Horse Show Management (two page pdf file)
• HPA Strategic Plan (text)
• HPA Operating Plan for 2004-2006 (pdf)
• USDA Disqualification List (text)
• List of Designated Qualified Persons (text)

AC Publications Related to HPA

• The Horse Protection Act [factsheet]
  (pdf)
• Annual Report - Horse Protection Enforcement
  • FY 2000
  • FY 1999
  • FY 1998
  • FY 1997
• Understanding the Scar Rule: (pdf) (Note: this is a large file and may be slow in downloading)

DQP/VMO Horse Protection Training Manual

2004 DQP/ VMO HPA Training Manual