US Senate Committee Approves PAST Act to Protect Walking Horses

U.S. Senate Committee Approves PAST Act Favored By Humane Society Of The U.S. For Protecting Walking Horses

Wednesday, April 09, 2014  As posted on The Chattanoogan

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday approved the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act (S. 1406/H.R. 1518) by voice vote. The bill is supported by the Humane Society of the United States, which said the PAST Act "will end the decades-long abusive training method of soring, which involves the use of chemicals and devices on the legs and feet of Tennessee walking horses to force them to perform the high-stepping 'Big Lick' gait."

Rep. Marsha Blackburn is sponsoring a bill that HSUS claims would protect owners and trainers who allegedly abuse horses.

Senator Lamar Alexander has submitted a bill that he said is a compromise between the two measures.

Keith Dane, vice president of equine protection for the HSUS, said: “Horse soring is a disgrace, but growing momentum for the PAST Act means that reform is within reach. Today’s committee action was a significant step forward. Congress should ensure a sound future for Tennessee walking horses by passing this legislation on the Senate floor without delay.”

The HSUS and Humane Society Legislative Fund "expressed their thanks to Senators Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., and Mark Warner, D-Va., for their leadership on S. 1406, and to Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., Ranking Member John Thune, R-S.D., and Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., for their support during today’s committee markup.

"The PAST Act will fortify the federal Horse Protection Act, which was passed in 1970 but contained loopholes that have allowed soring to thrive in factions of the Tennessee walking horse industry. The bill's needed reforms include eliminating the failed industry self-policing system, banning devices used in the soring process from the show ring, and strengthening penalties to provide a meaningful deterrent against abusing horses to cheat at horse shows. 

"The PAST Act is co-sponsored by 51 senators and 269 representatives. It is endorsed by the American Horse Council and more than 50 other national and state horse groups, the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, and state veterinary groups in all 50 states, key individuals in the Tennessee walking horse show world, and many others."