HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Congressman James Comer released a statement on Tuesday questioning the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s enforcement of the Horse Protection Act and claiming the agency may be exceeding its authority in inspections.

Congressman Comer said the Committee on Oversight and Accountability initiated its oversight following allegations that the assistant director of USDA’s Animal and Planet Health Inspection Service sent an email to horse show representatives on new competition inspection requirements two hours prior to a competition without warning or prior notification. Comer said he called on the Office of Inspector General to initiate a review of the USDA’s policies and practices regarding implementation of the HPA.

“It is imperative that USDA enforces HPA in a manner that is fair, consistent and within the bounds of its statutory authority,” Comer wrote in a release. “The Committee is concerned about USDA’s compliance with the HPA, particularly considering allegations received by the Committee of arbitrary enforcement, lack of due process, and potential retribution against horse trainers and owners and disqualifying horses or changing inspection procedures at the last minute as retribution for filing a lawsuit.”

Comer said the committee has also requested documents and information on the service’s role in enforcing the HPA, but so far they have received limited documents in response.

The Horse Protection Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to proclaim regulations prohibiting the movement, showing, exhibition or sale of sore horses. For more information on the act and its changes, visit the federal register’s website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.