RA-040. Tattoo Identification Requirements and Parentage Verification

1. TATTOO IDENTIFICATION. American Paint Horses participating at tracks, the results of which are recognized by APHA, require tattoo identification as following: Tattoo Identification: Unless otherwise stipulated by the responsible turf governing body, every horse registered with APHA, prior to participating in a race shall be identified and branded with a tattoo number on the upper lip by an APHA authorized tattoo technician. Refer to Rule RG-095 for rules pertaining to age determination by tooth examination and ineligibility to compete, if age shown by teeth does not correspond with age shown on registration certificate. The official tattoo identification number shall be affixed on the horse’s registration certificate, filed with APHA, and become part of the identifying markings of said horse. The fee for tattoo identification by an APHA authorized tattoo technician is payable at the time of tattoo identification (see fee schedule in front of rule book).
   1. APHA’s tattooing of an identification number on a horse is anothermanner of identification only, and, in no event constitutes a waiver by APHA of its privilege to correct and/or cancel a registration certificate for cause under APHA’s rules and regulations, which is the express condition of its issuance as noted on the face of the certificate.
2. PARENTAGE VERIFICATION.
   1. All horses foaled on or after January 1, 2000, shall be parentage verified through genetic testing by DNA by written analysis from a laboratory approved by the Association and filed with the Association before their first official start, regardless of the type of race. The horses’ registration certificate shall be issued or reissued with the appropriate designation, "parentage verified". All 2003 foals and thereafter must be parentage verified before they are tattooed.
   2.  All parentage verification must be coordinated through the APHA Field Services Department. Forms listing the appropriate fees are available through APHA.
   3.  Any horse which cannot be parentage verified due to the death or foreign export of the sire and/or dam, may apply to the APHA Executive Committee by written application for consideration of a hardship exemption to required parentage verification. .
3. REFUSAL TO COMPLY. Refusal by an owner of sire, dam or foal to comply with the requirements of genetic testing, parentage verification, and/or tattoo identification, shall automatically disqualify such horse from participation in racing at tracks, the results of which are recognized by APHA, until such time as compliance with said request, and may be grounds for possible disciplinary action by APHA.