The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced on April 14 the use of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to enforce the Horse Protection Act. The method will detect horses that have been subjected to soring, a practice used to accentuate a horse’s gait.

Since 2004, APHIS’ animal care program has held public meetings and informed horse industry organizations regarding the implementation of GC/MS technologies. USDA officials say this tool will aid APHIS’ efforts to detect the practice of soring. Soring can be accomplished by irritating or blistering a horse’s forelegs through the injection or application of chemicals, mechanical devices, cuts, lacerations, or burns. Read more about the testing procedures and enforcement actions at www.TheHorse.com/emag.aspx?id=6814.