U.S. Senator Joseph D. Tydings Memorial Prevent All Soring Tactics Act of 2019
Floor Speech
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Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 693, the U.S. Senator Joseph D. Tydings Memorial Prevent All Soring Tactics Act of 2019 or the ``PAST'' Act.
Put simply, soring is the cruel practice of intentionally inflicting pain on a horse's legs or hooves to alter the horse's gait. This is done by applying caustic chemicals such as diesel fuel, and mustard oil to the skin, and inserting sharp painful objects into horses' hooves to achieve an artificial high-stepping gait. It is all too commonly inflicted on horses that participate in Tennessee Walking Horse competitions.
As a former horse owner myself, I am deeply disturbed about the pain and suffering these majestic animals are put through. Soring is already prohibited by the laws of the United States. Congress passed the Horse Protection Act in 1970 to address the problem. What we are doing today is identifying gaps in the original law and fixing them.
No other category of horse show has federal oversight because no other group of trainers and horse show enthusiasts intentionally injure horses as a way to enhance performance. This practice belongs in the same category as dogfighting and cockfighting in that people hurt animals in severe ways just for entertainment. Ending this despicable practice is long overdue.
Since the PAST Act was first introduced in the 113th Congress it has never had fewer than 272 cosponsors and has always been a firmly bipartisan bill with co-sponsors representing districts across the country. The PAST Act is also supported by hundreds of veterinary and equine groups--including the veterinary medical associations from all 50 states. I would like to recognize the hard work of the individuals within these outside animal rights advocates--particularly Marty Irby, Executive Director of Animal Wellness Action, who has dedicated so many years to this purpose.
As the chair of the subcommittee where this bill is assigned, I am proud to stand in favor of this anti-cruelty legislation. Let's send the bill to the Senate with a strong vote that shows how Americans will not stand for animal abuse.
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