MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – An horse training center in Rutherford County has responded to allegations of horse abuse by the Humane Society of the United States.
ThorSport Farm in Murfreesboro released a statement saying the allegations contain misleading and false information.
“ThorSport Farm has a well-earned reputation for operating ethically and legally, and we emphatically reject the HSUS’s charges of soring,” said owner Duke Thorson. “This farm operates within the rules. Our intolerance for unethical and illegal training is widely known to the point that people who want such an advantage no longer approach us. ThorSport Farm continues to work vigorously to end abuse and clean up the industry.”
The statement comes after the Humane Society revealed its findings and accused ThorSport Farm of using soring techniques on Tennessee walking horses.
Soring occurs when a horse's legs are intentionally injured to make the animal have a higher gait. It's a practice that's illegal in the walking horse industry, but animal rights activists claim it's still widespread.
The organization said 60 samples were taken from horses legs that allegedly had been covered in chemicals, and all tested positive for substances that have been banned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as part of its enforcement of the Horse Protection Act.
The findings marked the second time in four years that an undercover investigation documented alleged abuse involving Tennessee walking horses.
The organization said several horses scheduled to compete in this year’s Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration were illegally sored. The event is scheduled for August 26 through September 5.
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday they have begun an investigation into the allegations. At this time no charges have been filed.
ThorSport claims video released in the Humane Society's report showing abuse is misleading. They claim it was occurred on another farm back in 2011. They also say photos release from the farm show ordinary and usual leg-care procedures are presented as though they reflect illegal activity.
The Humane Society recently purchased three billboards in Shelbyville to raise awareness about illegal horse soring.
The organization has urged Congress to pass the Prevent All Soring Tactics Act which would provide more support the Horse Protection Act.
Accusations of soring flared in 2011 when the Humane Society released a secretly filmed video. It showed trainers applying caustic substances to horses' legs and hooves, then beating them to make them stand.
Officials have taken strides to restore confidence in the industry, but critics say soring is still a problem.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
