Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has voiced strong opposition to the Biden Administration's new Horse Protection Act (HPA) rule, arguing that it will harm the equine industry rather than protect horses. According to Miller, the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) rule is overly restrictive and lacks practical understanding of the industry.

"The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new rule is so absurd that it makes using fly spray on a horse a potential violation," said Miller. He emphasized that while the HPA was originally enacted in 1970 with the intention of regulating the Tennessee Walking Horse industry and preventing soring, the new regulations could have detrimental effects on breeders, trainers, and horse owners nationwide.

Miller highlighted concerns that routine activities like applying show sheen or minor irritations from training could be misconstrued as intentional soring under the new rules. "Event organizers would have to provide advance notice and hire USDA-approved veterinarians or vet techs to inspect every horse," he noted, adding that this could lead to burdensome regulations for various equine events.

The commissioner criticized what he sees as federal overreach into matters best handled at the state level. "Soring is an issue that is largely specific to the state of Tennessee," he argued, questioning why national regulations are necessary.

Furthermore, Miller expressed skepticism about the USDA's ability to enforce these rules effectively due to resource constraints. "They don’t have the funding or resources," he stated, warning against inspectors who may lack knowledge about horses or rural life.

Miller concluded by calling for action against what he perceives as excessive regulation: "It’s time to rein in these runaway bureaucrats and restore some common sense to Washington, D.C."