USAHR supports the AQHA position of Animal Husbandry and Advocacy:
“In addition to increasing advocacy of the American Quarter Horse in public policy, AQHA continues to keep the horse as its foremost concern by providing programs to members promoting the health and wellbeing of their America Quarter Horse. AQHA is a strong partner with the American Horse Council, which is the organization that represents all segments of our nation’s diverse equine industry. AHC works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Founded in 1969, AHC was organized by a group of horsemen concerned about federal legislation affecting their industry. They recognized the need for national support and coordinated industry action in Washington, D.C. AQHA is a major supporter of AHC and encourages AQHA members to join and learn more. The Unwanted Horse Coalition is a vital part of the American Horse Council, providing options and resources should a horse ever become unwanted. AQHA strongly supports the Unwanted Horse Coalition’s efforts in educating the equine industry regarding owner responsibilities and services available to them.”
“The following is AQHA’s position statement on legislation concerning horse processing: It is this fervent dedication to the welfare of the horse that drives AQHA to address the difficult issues related to humane care, transportation and disposition of all breeds of horses.
End-of-life issues for horses are personal and should remain the right of the individual horse owner.
AQHA opposes abolishing the option of horse processing until there are other provisions to take care of more than 150,000 horses that meet that end each year. Consistent with positions established by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and American Veterinary Medical Association, AQHA supports the humane, USDA supervised end-of-life process as a much better option than starvation, neglect or inhumane treatment inside or outside of the United States.
To date, no proposed state or federal law has addressed funding of care for unwanted horses, long-term placement of affected horses or established guidelines for standards of care at retirement and rescue facilities. Failing to address these core issues adversely affects the welfare of horses.
Additionally, horses as livestock are personal property protected under the United States Constitution. Any law that would result in “taking” of personal property without just compensation or valid purpose is a violation of an individual’s constitutional rights. Furthermore, it is a violation of the Commerce Clause to unreasonably restrict interstate trade of property.
Therefore, AQHA continues to oppose the provisions of state or federal legislation intended to: (a) prohibit the humane end-of-life processing of horses; and (b) prohibit the humane transport of horses that may be destined to processing plants.”
“AQHA believes it’s the owner’s responsibility and, ultimately, their choice regarding decisions concerning the welfare of their horse(s). The Association encourages responsible ownership practices and management that will reduce the number of unwanted horses. AQHA recognizes that the processing of unwanted horses is currently a necessary aspect of the equine industry, because it provides a humane euthanasia alternative for horses that might otherwise continue a life of discomfort and pain, or inadequate care or abandonment. AQHA has actively supported legislation to ensure the safe and humane transportation of horses that are bound for processing facilities and backed guidelines for how horses must be treated at the facilities. AQHA supports other choices for unwanted horses, including euthanasia by injection, life in an equine retirement facility, donation to a college or university, or other options.”
https://www.aqha.com/aqha-advocacy
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