Section 285.813.5. Hearings.

(1) If a provision of these rules or any other rules or state law related to a horse race or pulling event is violated, then the director shall notify the horse's owner of the violation and shall hold a hearing within 14 days from the date that the violation is reported to the director or shall refer the matter to the State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules.

(2)     For hearings conducted by the director, from testimony taken, the director shall render a decision on  the  penalty   imposed  and/or  the eligibility of the owner, his or her representative, and the horse, or any of them, to participate in state-funded horse races or pulling events or in any future state, county, district, or community fair horse race or pulling event.

(3)The director or an administrative law examiner representing the State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules may impose any of  the following penalties:

(a)      Return to the department any purse or premium awarded in the horse race or pulling event.

(b)      A penalty or fine pursuant to section 30 and section 31 of   1995   PA 279, MCL

431.330 and 431.331.

(c)     The owner and the horse may be prohibited from participating in horse races or pulling events at fairs for up to 1 year from the date of notification of the first violation.

(d)      For second or additional violations, the owner and the horse may be prohibited from participating in horse races or pulling event indefinitely.

History: 1979 AC; 2006 AACS.