The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has delayed the effective date of specific amendments to the horse protection regulations from April 2, 2025, to February 1, 2026. The delay allows APHIS and the industry to adapt to changes following a court decision that invalidated certain provisions of the 2024 Horse Protection final rule. The delay also provides time for retraining designated inspectors, called Horse Protection Inspectors (HPIs), and for the industry to adjust to expanded reporting requirements. APHIS is seeking public comments on whether this delay should be extended further.
Simple Explanation
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is waiting even longer before making changes to rules about protecting horses. They want more time to help people learn how to follow the new rules, and they are asking everyone if they should wait even longer before starting these changes.