0579-AE70 202204 Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions 0579 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service APHIS 0500 Department of Agriculture USDA Revision to Horse Protection Act Regulations

Current Horse Protection Act (HPA) regulations require Designated Qualified Persons (DQPs) to be licensed directly through Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs). DQPs conduct inspections of horses at HIO-affiliated shows, sales, auctions, and exhibitions to determine compliance with the HPA. We are proposing to amend the Horse Protection regulations by eliminating the role of HIOs and DQPs as inspectors at horse shows, exhibitions, sales, and auctions, and assigning inspection authority solely to Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Medical Officers and other persons authorized by APHIS.  Other changes are also being contemplated.

]]> Other Significant First Time Published in The Unified Agenda Proposed Rule Stage No No 9 CFR 11 15 U.S.C. 1823 No NPRM 10/00/2022 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/2022 Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Yes Businesses None No Yes No Lance Bassage VMD, Director, National Policy Staff, Animal Care 0579 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service APHIS 301 851-3748 lance.h.bassage@usda.gov 4700 River Road Unit 84, Riverdale MD 20737