The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Rob Biggers, a horse trainer in Columbus, Miss., have agreed to a consent decision and order regarding violations of the Horse Protection Act.

“Soring is not only a cruel and hurtful form of abuse, it’s also against the law,” said W. Ron DeHaven, acting deputy administrator for animal care with the animal and plant health inspection service, a part of the marketing and regulatory missions area. “We are in the business of protecting animals. Through the Horse Protection Act, we will not tolerate the improper practice of soring horses.”

Biggers neither admitted nor denied any violations of the HPA but agreed to a civil penalty of $750. Also, Biggers is disqualified for 10 months from showing, exhibiting, or entering any horse in any horse show or exhibition. He is also disqualified from judging, managing, or otherwise participating in any horse show or horse exhibition.

The HPA discourages the cruel and inhumane practice of soring by prohibiting sored horses from participating in exhibitions, sales, shows, and auctions. Soring refers to pain-provoking practices used to accentuate a horse’s gait. The HPA covers all breeds of horses