July 7, 2011 – This year’s American Horse Council National Issues Forum, entitled “Congress on a Diet: What It Means for the Horse Industry,” highlighted the current budget environment in Washington. The issues forum was part of the AHC annual meeting held from June 19th to the 22nd that also included the annual Congressional Ride-In, AHC committee meetings, and a Congressional Reception.
Several Members of Congress spoke to attendees during the issues forum including Congressman Hal Rogers (R-KY), the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressmen Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) and Brett Guthrie (R-KY), who are the co-chairs of the Congressional Horse Caucus, as well as Congressman John Yarmouth (D-KY).
“The AHC is grateful to have had so many Members of Congress come give us their perspective on the fiscal challenges facing the country. There were several different viewpoints, but the message was clear that when it comes to spending it will not be ‘business as usual’ in Washington,” said AHC President Jay Hickey. “Without a doubt we will be seeing less federal spending and that could impact the horse industry in many different ways.”
The remainder of the issues forum included presentations from several individuals from federal agencies, state health officials and other organizations. Dr. John Clifford, Deputy Administrator and Chief Veterinary Officer for USDA’s Veterinary Services, and Dr. Guy Hohenhaus, President of the National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials, discussed some of the issues USDA and state veterinarians face in responding to and mitigating equine disease outbreaks under current budgetary constraints.
USDA has released the second national EHV-1 situation report. A summary of the updated information is as follows:
• A total of 75 confirmed EHV-1 or EHM cases have been reported in 9 states (AZ, CA, CO, ID, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA)
• Of the 75 confirmed EHV/EHM cases, 58 cases are horses that were at the Ogden, Utah event.
• There are 11 horses associated with this incident that are dead or have been euthanized.
• There are 15 newly identified premises with suspect or confirmed cases identified this reporting period.
You may view the complete USDA EHV-1 Situation Report that provides detailed information on the number of exposed, positive, dead, and euthanized horses on a state by state level here. The AHC anticipates USDA releasing another national situation report at the end of next week. Please see the below links for additional information on EHV-1 transmission risks and disease mitigation strategies.
July 5, 2010 – CHICAGO (EWA) – The recent appointment of Dr. Douglas Corey to the top spot of the Washington lobby group, The Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC), has made their loudly proclaimed stance of being neutral on the contentious issue of horse slaughter difficult to swallow.
Corey follows Dr. Tom Lenz, former head of American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). Both Lenz and Corey pull no punches on their enthusiastic support of horse slaughter. The two veterinarians with close ties to animal agriculture refer to horse slaughter as an end-of-life option that is needed. Regrettably, with the UHC parent group, The American Horse Council, this front for unscrupulous breeders and the meat industry, often has the ear of Congress and is considered a respected and respectable humanitarian organization.
The daring hypocrisy of both organizations is stunning and Corey’s own words prove it. Few equine rescue organizations are members of the UHC, shunning the prohibitive cost of membership to join. Rescue groups, dependent upon donations, would prefer to spend their funds on feed and hay.
January 19 2010 – The American Horse Council (AHC) is pleased to announce the American Endurance Ride Conference, the American Paint Horse Association, the National Cutting Horse Association, and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association have recently endorsed the Welfare Code of Practice further broadening the industry support of a national code. The AHC drafted the Welfare Code of Practice, which outlines in generic terms what it means for an organization to be committed to the responsible breeding, training, care, use, enjoyment, transport and retirement of horses.
Many associations have undertaken studies, reviews, and initiatives that indicate their commitment to the welfare of their horses. This generic code is simply a continuation of that effort.
“The American Horse Council’s Welfare Code of Practice demonstrates the equine industry’s commitment to the welfare and safety of the horse,” said Dan Metzger, president of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. “We wholeheartedly endorse these principles and encourage other equine organizations to do so as well.” Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=9869
In an effort to better represent and serve the horse industry in Washington, DC, the American Horse Council (AHC) has organized a new grassroots effort, entitled “The Congressional Cavalry Program.” The AHC represents the horse industry before Congress and the federal regulatory agencies on important national issues. The AHC invites USDF members to participate in this program and help make a difference in federal legislation and regulations that affect the horse industry.
American Horse Council Members in Washington, DC
All USDF members who wish to be involved in grassroots efforts in Washington, DC can join the Congressional Cavalry Program at their discretion. The purpose of the program is to identify people in each Congressional District across America who will agree to contact their Representative/Senators or other federal officials when asked by the AHC. Contacts from constituents are the most effective way to persuade a Member of Congress or a federal official to take action with respect to a particular issue regarding horses.
Individuals will be mobilized when there is a need for grassroots contacts, such as letters and telephone calls. Members of the program will be put on an E-mail or telefax list so they can be contacted and activated quickly. The AHC will provide participants with whatever information is necessary. Any level of commitment by participants is welcome.
The Congressional Cavalry Program might eventually provide the base for additional activities like visits with Members of Congress back home; invitations to Members of Congress to visit a facility or event; and reports to Congress about activities back in the district that illustrate the importance of the horse industry to the state and local economy, the sport, and recreational life.
If you want to sign up for or have any additional questions about the Congressional Cavalry Program, please contact the American Horse Council at 202-296-4031 or ahc@horsecouncil.org.
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