By Betsey Blaney | The Associated Press
The nation’s pre-eminent quarter horse association is violating state and federal antitrust laws by banning cloned horses from its prestigious registry, a Texas jury ruled Tuesday in a case being closely watched by breeding groups across the U.S.
Attorneys for two ranchers who sued the American Quarter Horse Association said the verdict doesn’t automatically require the group to register cloned horses or their offspring. That step could come at a later hearing, attorney Nancy Stone said. Jurors didn’t award any of the $6 million in damages being sought by the breeders, but Stone said her clients’ primary interest was “to get these horses registered.”
Association spokesman Tom Persechino said the organization is considering an appeal, adding “it’s fair to say we’re disappointed in their verdict.”
