Bipartisan Move Fights Horse Soring

Florida Congressman Ted Yoho, a veterinarian, is teaming up with another veterinarian, Democrat Congressman Kurt Schrader from Oregon, to reintroduce a bill that would ban horse soring.

Pairing up for the “Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act,” the bill would amend the Horse Protection Act of 1970 that would end horse soring, which is when the horse’s hooves and legs are injured that elicits are more dramatic leg motion when running.

The bill was reintroduced last week, and Congressman Yoho shared his thoughts on the issue, saying that he was honored to join Congressman Schroder “and various organizations who support the end of Horse Soring. As a veterinarian and lover of animals, we must continue to keep the pressure on a select group of bad actors in the Walking Horse industry. They must comply with existing law and stop this illegal practice for good.”

Schrader added his thoughts on why the bill is necessary, commenting that “horse soring still runs rampant even though laws have been on the books for decades banning this cruel practice. We gave them a chance to self-police but the practice continued. Our bill will strengthen and improve current regulations by improving USDA enforcement, increasing civil and criminal penalties, and banning incentives to sore horses. It’s time for Congress to act and put an end to this abusive practice.”

The Horse Protection Act of 1970 was introduced by former Senator Joseph Tydings who passed away last October. In honor of him, the reintroduced bill is named after Tydings. In addition, the bill has received the support of around 280 groups and 290 lawmakers.

Marty Irby, Animal Wellness Actions' executive director, applauded the reintroduction of the bill, saying that "It’s long past time to end the rampant abusive practice of soring that I’ve personally witnessed since childhood, and Congress should swiftly bring this measure to a vote.”