Representatives Cohen, Fitzpatrick, Schakowsky and Buchanan Introduce PAST Act

Statement

Representatives Steve Cohen (TN-09), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Vern Buchanan (FL-16) today introduced the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, to prohibit the intentional injury to the hooves and legs of performance walking horses such as Tennessee's iconic walking horses.

The measure was co-sponsored by 209 other House members, indicating its strong level of bipartisan support.

Congressman Cohen, a longtime member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, released the following statement:

"The practice of soring, which is the intentional infliction of pain on horses' feet and legs using caustic chemicals, chains, weighted shoes, hard objects, cutting, and other gruesome techniques to force them to perform a pain-based artificially high-stepping gait known as the "Big Lick,' is completely unacceptable, inhumane and unsportsmanlike. Unfortunately, the practice has marred the Tennessee Walking Horse and related breeds for more than six decades. I am proud to reintroduce the PAST Act to finally eradicate this indefensible practice and show that Americans will treat animals humanely."

Congressman Fitzpatrick said:

"The antiquated and inhumane practice of soring intentionally inflicts pain on show horses for the mere purpose of winning a ribbon at a competition. Our bipartisan PAST Act gives voice to these suffering animals and will finally put an end to this cruel practice by banning devices integral to soring, strengthening penalties, and holding abusers accountable for their crimes against innocent horses."

Congresswoman Schakowsky said:

"The horrific practice of horse soring needs to end. I am proud to stand alongside so many constituents, animal welfare groups, and a bipartisan group of my colleagues on Capitol Hill to demand that enough is enough, and ensure that we close the book on this inhumane treatment once and for all."

Congressman Buchanan said:

"The practice of horse "soring' is nothing less than animal torture. As the co-chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, I am pleased to back this legislation to end this inhumane practice. Anyone who abuses horses in this manner should be held accountable."

The American Horse Council, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, Humane Society Legislative Fund, Humane Society of the United States, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Animal Welfare Institute, Friends of Sound Horses, and Animal Wellness Action all strongly support this bill. They are joined by a broad set of hundreds of stakeholder groups and individuals that also endorse the PAST Act.