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Report File
Date Issued
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
5
Questioned Costs
$0
Funds for Better Use
$0
Report updated under NDAA 5274
No

Open Recommendations

This report has 5 open recommendations.
Recommendation Number Significant Recommendation Recommended Questioned Costs Recommended Funds for Better Use Additional Details
1 Yes $0 $0

We recommend that APHIS establish a formal conflicts-of-interest policy that outlines the responsibilities and expectations for all VMOs that perform inspections at horse shows.

2 Yes $0 $0

We recommend that APHIS establish a process to monitor inspectors’ completion of the requirements set forth in its formal conflicts-of-interest policy to ensure all requirements and actions are complete.

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.

Department of Agriculture OIG

United States