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On July 15 an Iowa state economic development board agreed to co-fund a feasibility study by a start-up company seeking a humane way to euthanize and process horses for consumption by animals. Responsible Transportation, LLC wants to develop innovative methods to collect and euthanize horses with no charge to the horse owners.

Early this month, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced a compromise puppy-mill bill that he would recommend to the state legislature. The compromise has the backing of both the hunting dog community and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the bill’s sponsor. The question now is, will the compromise hold through the legislative process?

July 7, 2010
Foxhunters in Britain are backing plans for regulation of hunting by an independent authority in return for an overturn of the despised 2004 Hunting Act.

Hunt supporters have proposed creation of a Hunting Regulatory Authority (HRA) which would demand a strict code of practice to eliminate unnecessary suffering of the fox and to ensure that hunts respect animals, property, land, and crops. Flouting of the code could result in prosecution in the courts and, for the guilty, fines and disbarment from hunting. Hunters with hounds operate under a similar system in Northern Ireland.

July 1, 2010European Union legislation passed in 2008 required all foals to be micro-chipped by July 1, 2009. New legislation requires all horses to have valid passports issued from an approved studbook or agency as well. Ireland’s Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith has consulted with representatives of that country’s equine industry to determine how best to transpose the EU regulations into Irish law. He continues to engage with the industry on developing a system to monitor the movement of horses and the transfer of ownership. For further details, see Ray Ryan’s article in the Irish Examiner.

June 29, 2010
Legislative initiatives to curb puppy mills, in recent years brought before numerous state legislatures, is now in the hands of both houses of the U.S. Congress. The so-called PUPS Act (Puppy Uniform Protection Statute) would require dog breeders who sell more than fifty puppies a year to be federally licensed and regulated.

June 25, 2010Riding helmet manufacturers Charles Owen, Troxel, GPA and Aegis will be offering discounts on helmets purchased through participating retailers on July 10, National Helmet Awareness Day. The event is endorsed by USEF, USEA, and USDF. A list of participating retailers and further information is available at Riders4Helmets.com. Stylistically, although anything goes for schooling, showing, and hacking, remember that only black (or dark blue for ladies) velvet covering is appropriate for the hunting field during the formal season! (For a refresher on correct attire, go to the Resources drop-down menu and click on Attire, Tack, and Appointments under Foxhunting 101.)

June 24, 2010The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission on Wednesday decided to close all fox pens in that state. Legal text for the ban is expected to be drafted in September, with the actual closures not occurring until next year. The Humane Society of the United States along with other animal rights organizations argued that hunting in fox pens was akin to dog fighting. Hunters felt that their position was not fairly heard. Read Julie Watkins’ report in Jacksonville’s Action News for more details.

June 21, 2010
British foxhunters are encouraged by signs of improved relations between government and hunting. It was not only what was said, but where it was said that raised hopes.

Jim Paice, the new minister of DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), last week reiterated the coalition government’s commitment to a free vote in parliament on the repeal of the Hunting Act of 2004. What's interesting is that Paice made the statement at the Annual General Meeting of the Masters of Foxhounds Association—the first time in memory that a DEFRA minister has attended that event.

June 13, 2010The League Against Cruel Sports (LACS) claims in their annual report that two thirds of British hunts flout the Hunting Act by continuing to hunt wild mammals. The League urges stricter policing. Countryside Alliance spokesman Tim Bonner counters that thousands of hours of police time have already been wasted “investigating pointless allegations.” The hunting community, in its fight to strike down the Hunting Act, argues that the law is unworkable as evidenced by the collapse in the courts of all prosecutions since January 2008. “There is no justification for any organisation wasting further public funding, especially when public service is under such financial pressure,” says Bonner. Reported by Horse and Hound.

June 9, 2010
MIDDLEBURG, VA – The Board of Directors of the National Sporting Library has announced a name change for the institution. It is now known as the National Sporting Library and Fine Art Museum.