Opinion ID: 1361168
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Transporting Just American Magic

Text: The Dericksons further argue that the JO lacked substantial evidence to find that they transported Just American Magic in violation of the Act. The Dericksons contend that the JO admitted in his decision that the sole evidence on this issue is APHIS Form 7077, which states that Black was responsible for transporting Just American Magic. Because this was the sole evidence, the Dericksons assert that Black alone can be held liable for transportation. This argument mischaracterizes the opinion below and the evidence. The JO referenced Form 7077 with regard to only Black's liability for transportation. J.A. at 45 (JO Dec. at 18). The JO did not state that Form 7077 was the sole evidence against the Dericksons; to the contrary, the JO found invoice # 945 and its statement of no charge for Hauling/Show Prep/Stall to be evidence of the Dericksons' liability. J.A. at 52-53 (JO Dec. at 25-26). Clearly, the JO did have substantial evidence to support his finding. The Dericksons contend, however, that the line marked no charge should have indicated to the JO that neither the Dericksons nor Herbert Derickson Stables were responsible for transporting Just American Magic. Essentially, the Dericksons argue that the JO incorrectly interpreted the evidence. This argument must fail. Typically, we will defer to a JO's reasonable interpretations. Rowland, 43 F.3d at 1114. Furthermore, the JO's interpretation in this case is supported by substantial evidence. As APHIS points out, [i]t is a common commercial practice for sellers of goods and services to give buyers certain items without charge as an add-on to more expensive items. APHIS Br. at 45. We note that our review of the record supports the JO's interpretation of the evidence. See J.A. at 283-286, 290-304 (Invoices). Thus, the JO's inference from the invoice entry, made in light of his experience and familiarity with horse-industry practices, is sufficient evidence that a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support [the] conclusion that Herbert Derickson Stables transported Just American Magic. Gray, 39 F.3d at 675. Therefore, we hold that substantial evidence supports the JO's decision that Herbert Derickson Stables transported Just American Magic in violation of the Act and that the Dericksons, as partners of Herbert Derickson Stables, are liable for this violation.