[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 96 (Thursday, May 16, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 24755]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-12334]



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 Notices
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
 or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 96 / Thursday, May 16, 1996 / 
Notices  

[[Page 24755]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
[Docket No. 96-028-1]


Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved 
Information Collection

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's 
intention to request an extension of a currently approved information 
collection in support of regulations under the Horse Protection Act.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by July 15, 1996, to be 
assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Send comments regarding the accuracy of burden estimate, 
ways to minimize the burden (such as the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology), or any other 
aspect of this collection of information to: Docket No. 96-028-1, 
Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, suite 3C03, 4700 River 
Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please send an original and 
three copies, and state that your comments refer to Docket 96-028-1. 
Comments received may be inspected at USDA, room 1141, South Building, 
14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing 
to inspect comments and notices are requested to call ahead on (202) 
690-2817 to facilitate entry into the comment reading room.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: For information on the Horse Protection Act 
and regulations, contact Dr. John V. Zisk, Senior Staff Veterinarian, 
Regulatory Enforcement and Animal Care, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 
84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234, (301) 734-7833; or e-mail: 
JZ[email protected]. For copies of the proposed collection of 
information, contact Ms. Cheryl Jenkins, APHIS' Information Collection 
Coordinator, at (301) 734-5360.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: The Horse Protection Regulations.
    OMB Number: 0579-0056.
    Expiration Date of Approval: October 31, 1996.
    Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Abstract: The Horse Protection Act (the Act) and regulations have 
been promulgated to eliminate the inhumane practice of soring horses. 
Horses which are shown, offered for sale, auction, exhibition, or 
transported cannot be sored for these purposes. Enforcement of the Act 
and regulations as written require the inspection of horses by industry 
representatives (referred to as Designated Qualified Person's) as well 
as agency veterinarians. Documentation of specific enforcement 
information concerning the prevalence of soring practices is required 
under the regulations.
    The Horse Protection Act and regulations in title 9, part 11, are 
applicable to all breeds of horses. However, enforcement emphasis has 
been directed to specific gaited breeds due to the prevalence of soring 
in this branch of the equine industry. Sections 11.7 and 11.21 specify 
minimum qualification requirements for industry inspectors and their 
responsibilities. Reporting and recording requirements are necessary 
for the enforcement of the Horse Protection Act and regulations by 
certified horse industry organizations and by the management of a show 
or sale in order to assure the humane treatment of these animals.
    The above reporting and recordkeeping requirements do not mandate 
the use of any official government form.
    The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public 
(as well as affected agencies) concerning our information collection. 
We need this outside input to help us:
    (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (2) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, through use, as appropriate, of automated, 
electronic, mechanical, and other collection technologies, e.g., 
permitting electronic submission of responses.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average .177 hours per response.
    Respondents: Horse industry organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 650.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 11.07.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 7,195 hours.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information 
collection.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 10th day of May 1996.
Terry L. Medley,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 96-12334 Filed 5-15-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P