The PAST Act H.R. 1518/S. 1406

Chemical soring: caustic substances applied to front pasterns, chains are affixed, causing pain.

Pressure soring: horse stands on tall “stacks”

of leather or plastic wedges

Hides intentional damage or devices used to inflict pain

Bands tightened to apply intense pressure,

sore hoof

Can shear off hoof, causing permanent damage, lameness,

death

Pressure shoeing:

cutting horse’s sole to quick

or

inserting hard/sharp foreign objects under shoe or “stack”

Why Has HPA Failed to End Soring?

Inadequate Enforcement

•USDA forced to rely on industry self-regulation (attends <10% of all shows)•Self-policing has failed as a deterrent•Industry presents veneer of compliance, falsely claims low violation rate

Why Has HPA Failed to End Soring?

Violators “Beat the System” with:

• Scar removal, masking agents• Topical/injectable numbing agents temporarily block pain during inspection• “Stewarding” practices/devices• Horse switching• Ticket taking

Why Has HPA Failed to End Soring?

Industry self-regulation:

•USDA OIG, AAEP say self-regulation has failed, should be abolished•Industry penalties have not been deterrents but slaps on the wrist•Violators continue to train while on suspension•Career repeat violators continue to show, win•Top trainers in industry have all have HPA violation histories

•prohibit use of stacks, chains, bands, heavy shoes on horses’ feet in 3 breeds•eliminate TWH industry self-regulation•make act of soring a crime•increase penalties to create effective deterrent

Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, H.R.1518/S.1406 introduced to close loopholes in HPA :

•Affects only small segment of violators in 3 breeds that have been victims of soring, who harm reputation of entire industry•Cosponsored by over half of Congress

• 269 House• 51 Senate

Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, H.R.1518/S.1406

•Horse industry-backed bill with broad support:

• American Horse Council• Several state Councils• USEF• AAEP, AVMA, all VMAs• AQHA, ASHA, AMHA,

AHA, many breeds• Most TWH owners• Animal protection

groups

Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, H.R.1518/S.1406

H.R. 4098 – Blackburn “alternative” to PAST

Creates one industry HIO led by people chosen by WHTA, KY/TN Ag Commissioners

•HIO will decide how to fill vacancies, establish own COI rules

Revokes all other HIOs’ certifications

Purports to require “scientific” inspection methods (likely eliminating digital palpation)

PAST Act

Blackburn bill

Bans heavy stacked shoes, chains and other devices used as implements of soring from the show ring

Yes No; not addressed

Eliminates failed industry self-regulation, putting USDA back in charge of the inspection of horses and enforcement of the Horse Protection Act (as Congress originally intended)

Yes No; codifies the industry self-enforcement scheme, with no recourse for removal or change

Increases civil and criminal penalties in the HPA, to provide a truly effective deterrent

Yes No; not addressed

Makes illegal the act of soring a horse for the purpose of exhibiting or selling the animal

Yes No; not addressed

Strengthens USDA authority to enforce the HPA Yes No; instead, gives more authority to industry groups that have failed to enforce the Act, and in fact violate it

Makes horse show management, not taxpayers, responsible for paying for inspections

Yes No; does not address who will pay for inspection methods proposed

Comparison of H.R. 1518, the PAST Act to H.R. 4098, Rep. Blackburn’s bill

“Rep. Ed Whitfield's walking horse legislation would end soring; Rep. Marsha Blackburn's would enable it” - The Tennessean, Editorial

“The AVMA is staunchly opposed to H.R. 4098…[it] will not result in any improvements for the welfare of horses or enforcement of the Horse Protection Act…” – American Veterinary Medical Association

“The AHC opposes the Blackburn bill because it does not address many of the shortfalls of the current HPA enforcement program. The AHC continues to support the Prevent All Soring Tactics Act.” - American Horse Council

The Humane Society of the United States“Now, That’s a Walking Horse!” Program

•Promote versatility, temperament, athleticism of Tennessee Walking Horse

•Recognize participation, achievement multi-breed events

•Encourage improvement of skills of horse and rider

The Humane Society of the United States“Now, That’s a Walking Horse!” Program

Recognition Awards

Amateur owners and riders using Tennessee Walking horses in new/non-traditional venues

GrantsTherapeutic programs, natural horsemanship clinics

PromotionParticipation in public all-breed events where natural Walking horses are showcased

The Tennessee Walking Horse

America’s Horse of the Future!

Questions?

Keith DaneVice President, Equine ProtectionThe Humane Society of the United Stateskdane@humanesociety.orghumanesociety.org/horses