Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Horse Protection Act Inspection and Disqualification Processes at Horse Show Events

Date Issued

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Submitting OIG

Department of Agriculture OIG

Agencies Reviewed/Investigated

Department of Agriculture

Components

Animal Plant Health Inspection Service

Report Number

33801-0001-22

Report Description

OIG reviewed APHIS’ Horse Protection Act horse show inspection and disqualification processes.

Report Type

Inspection / Evaluation

Agency Wide

Yes

Number of Recommendations

Questioned Costs

Funds for Better Use

Report updated under NDAA 5274

Open Recommendations

This report has 3 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use
3	Yes	$0	$0
We recommend that APHIS conduct and document an assessment to determine the feasibility of implementing an alternative dispute resolution process for noncompliance determinations made during HPA horse shows.
4	Yes	$0	$0
USDA OIG has determined that this recommendation contains sensitive information and will not be publicly released due to privacy concerns.
5	Yes	$0	$0
We recommend that APHIS develop a process to ensure HPA policy guidance and expectations are communicated to the horse show industry in advance of their implementation date and the start of the horse show season.