SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Humane Society of the United States is launching a hotline and reward for people to call in tips about abuse of Tennessee walking horses ahead of the breed's national show in Shelbyville this week.
The Horse Protection Act prevents a form of abuse called soring, a practice of using chemicals and chains to train horses to perform high-stepping gaits for shows and competitions.
The group said its number and $10,000 reward are posted on a billboard near the site of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.
Doyle Meadows, CEO of the celebration, said the group's top priority is horse safety. He says the celebration goes "above and beyond" to ensure all horses are trained safely and humanely and partners with a strict horse inspection organization.
The Tennessee Walking Show Horse Organization also has a form for people to report suspected abuse on its website.
The show starts on Wednesday, August 22.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
