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 – 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 YesNo; 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 YesNo; not addressed Makes illegal the act of soring a horse for the purpose of exhibiting or selling the animal YesNo; not addressed Strengthens USDA authority to enforce the HPAYes 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 YesNo; 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 Grants Therapeutic programs, natural horsemanship clinics Promotion Participation in public all-breed events where natural Walking horses are showcased

The Tennessee Walking Horse America’s Horse of the Future!

Questions? Keith Dane Vice President, Equine Protection The Humane Society of the United States humanesociety.org/horses