06 Horses Made eligable for Some Disaster Funds

American Horse Council Press Release

Horses Made Eligible for Some Federal Emergency Funds

Horses will now be eligible for some federal emergency funding programs. “The horse industry has been working on this effort for some time,” said Jay Hickey, President of the American Horse Council. “The federal programs that provide relief to livestock and crop producers following a disaster are a hodge-podge of programs that require specific appropriations. Horses will now be eligible for some funds when they are appropriated, but not all. Nonetheless this is a good first step and removes the major stumbling block to funding eligibility. We must continue to work on this initiative to make horse owners and breeders eligible for all programs when funds are appropriated, just like other livestock producers.”

The change was included in the final USDA FY 2006 appropriations bill passed by Congress and signed by the President in the fall. The provision was added by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), with the support of Senators Jim Bunning (R-KY), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Thad Cochran (R-MS).

The change includes horses within the scope of livestock eligible for various federal programs provided for in other statutes governing emergency federal programs. Importantly, it repeals the language in the outdated Agricultural Act of 1949 limiting emergency funds to horses “used for food or the production of food.” This limitation has been a major stumbling block to making horses eligible for federal assistance.

“The industry must now be sure that when federal funds are appropriated for emergency relief horses are a part of the mix. While several statutes have been changed, the specific appropriations must reference the new broader provisions,” said Hickey.

As the national trade association representing the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and investments. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.