Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Director of Equine Protection Keith Dane is the subject of a complaint filed recently with the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association (TWHBEA). Dane represents Maryland on the TWHBEA Board of Directors.

Dane is a longtime advocate for stronger enforcement of the Horse Protection Act (HPA). The act prohibits "soring," the practice of deliberately injuring a horse’s feet and legs to achieve an exaggerated high-stepping gait. Dane was interviewed in the May 16 airing of ABC News’ "Nightline" program which featured video images obtained by an HSUS investigator while undercover at a training farm owned and operated by trainer Jackie McConnell. In February, McConnell and three other individuals were indicted on charges of conspiring to violate the HPA. McConnell has pleaded guilty to one of those charges.

On May 28, TWHBEA President Marty Irby confirmed that a complaint had been filed with TWHBEA against Dane, but declined to disclose the contents of the complaint on grounds of confidentiality.

"Everything must remain confidential until the (closed) hearing is over," Irby said