(Washington, DC)- The AHC Welfare Code of Practice is a broad set of principles designed to establish good welfare procedures for organizations to follow to “Put the Horse First.” The code outlines in broad strokes what principles organizations are committed to in breeding, training, competing, transporting, enjoying, and caring for their horses. The code encourages everyone to consider the health, safety, and welfare of their horses in all aspects of their activities, including the social and ethical issues.
"The Walking Horse Owners’ Association is proud to stand with the American Horse Council in endorsing their Welfare Code of Practice. WHOA remains committed to the well-being of every Tennessee Walking Horse. One of our primary goals is to encourage every owner to place among their top priorities the health, safety, and welfare of their horses. Our endorsement of the AHC Welfare Code of Practice is an additional step toward accomplishing this goal," said Dee Dee Miller-Sale, President of the Walking Horse Owners’ Association.
The Walking Horse Owners Association (WHOA), headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was founded in 1976 to represent the interests in all matters pertaining to the sound Tennessee Walking Horse. WHOA's goals are to advocate for fair and equal treatment of all members and to promote and protect the welfare of the breed. WHOA develops and supports programs that increase the value of Tennessee Walking Horses and enhances members’ experiences with their horses.
The AHC’s code is not intended to supersede an organization’s rules or regulations. Any organization’s more specific rules still govern activities sanctioned and regulated by the organization. Rather the code is a compliment to any such rules and restates the principles to be followed by breed registries, trade associations, various disciplines and the horse community as a whole in pursuing their equine activities.
To review the AHC Welfare Code of Practice, a list of the 53 organizations supporting the code, and a FAQs page, please visit the AHC Website at www.horsecouncil.org.
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About the American Horse Council
As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. 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.