In letters to the Trump Transition team, thirteen states’ agriculture departments have asked the United States Department of Agriculture to begin the process of formally withdrawing, in its entirety, the Horse Protection Amendments final rule. The rule was originally published May 8, 2024 and would have most of its provisions become effective February 1, 2025.

Several major equine associations, including the American Horse Council had previously asked USDA to delay the effective date by 60 days but the state commissioners and directors of agriculture have gone a step further and asked USDA to formally withdraw the rule. The letters cite the need for the protection of animals but to be done with “practical and enforceable regulations.”

The letters also warn of the devastating impacts to each state if the new rules go into effect. “If implemented, the new HPA rule would devastate the equine community, especially the breeders, trainers, and horse owners nationwide. Agriculture and its related industries need policies that are helpful rather than harmful.

There is also a pending lawsuit in the Northern District of Texas’ Amarillo division challenging the USDA’s new rule. If the challenge is successful, the rule would not go into effect and would be withdrawn. The expectation is for that ruling to be rendered prior to the February 1, 2025 effective date.

The states requesting the withdrawal included:
Texas
Alabama
Florida
Kentucky
Mississippi
Nebraska
Nevada
North Carolina
Oklahoma
South Dakota
West Virginia
Tennessee 
Louisiana

Click here to view the letters:
January 21st Letter
January 23rd Letter