ABC reports that after speaking out to ABC News about what he called "torture for the sake of a blue ribbon" in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, the director of equine protection for the Humane Society of the United States is facing possible expulsion from the board of the sport's breeders association.

According to ABC, "Keith Dane has been told to appear before the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association (TWHBEA) enforcement committee to answer a complaint filed against him by a fellow association member in the wake of the ABC News' "Nightline" investigation. Dane is a Tennessee Walking Horse owner and trainer and a TWHBEA board member."

WATCH the original 'Nightline' report.

The member who filed the complaint, Kathy Zeis, did not respond to ABC's requests for comment.

"It is shocking that anyone within this industry would even suggest that there be retaliatory or disciplinary action against a Humane Society official and horseman who blew the whistle on Jackie McConnell, who has now pled guilty to felony charges of horse abuse," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. "It suggests that there's still an attitude within the fraternity that anyone who breaks the code of silence on horse soring must be excommunicated. These people have it backwards, and they also need some lessons in crisis management."

READ THE COMPLETE STORY HERE.

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