fines-and-penalties

AQHA Website To List Animal Welfare Violators

fines-and-penaltiesA new section of the AQHA’s website will list animal welfare and unsportsmanlike conduct fines and penalties, as well as offenders’ names.The health and well-being of the American Quarter Horse is the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA)’s utmost concern. In accordance with the AQHA’s mission statement, the American Quarter Horse shall be treated humanely, with dignity, respect and compassion at all times. It is the goal of the AQHA to educate members and non-members on this issue.

The AQHA Executive Committee continued to make huge strides for the benefit of the American Quarter Horse at its April meeting in Amarillo, Texas. The committee’s actions exemplify the Association taking a stand on animal welfare for the protection of the horse and for the future of the breed.

These welfare topics were discussed and reviewed by AQHA members, the AQHA Animal Welfare Commission, the AQHA Show Committee, AQHA Show Council, the AQHA Racing Committee and AQHA Racing Council. The recommendations from each of these bodies were sent on to the Executive Committee for its review and final decision.

In addition to the approved recommendations, AQHA has also developed a new animal welfare page on its website. The animal welfare webpage contains lists of violations and suspensions, along with the newly approved fines and penalties. The animal welfare page further discusses additional animal welfare initiatives including the AQHA Stewards Program, owner responsibility and more.

“AQHA’s goal is to educate both members and non-members on the issue of animal welfare,” said AQHA Executive Vice President Craig Huffhines. “It is our responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our horse – the American Quarter Horse.”

The AQHA will periodically publish news releases on its website with the names of people who have broken AQHA’s rules pertaining to inhumane treatment and unsportsmanlike conduct, as well as recommendations approved by the Executive Committee. For more information on animal welfare and unsportsmanlike conduct, visit www.aqha.com/animalwelfare. Racing violations and suspensions can be found at www.aqha.com/racing.