The HSUS

Pass the PAST Act to end horse abuse

Update 10/15/24: We have spent over a decade urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to close loopholes that have allowed horrific horse abuse to persist. Our investigation of Formac Stables in Tennessee shows the reality of this cruelty, and the strategies used to conceal it. Our investigator documented caustic chemicals being applied to horses’ legs in a practice known as “soring” to cause them pain and force an exaggerated, high-stepping show ring gait. The investigator also witnessed horses being injected with a powerful sedative to hide the painful effects of soring from inspectors. Support the PAST Act today to help end this horse abuse!

The lives of many Tennessee walking horses are filled with fear and pain. Unscrupulous trainers intentionally inflict pain on a horse's legs and hooves to force the horse to perform an exaggerated, high-stepping gait known as the "Big Lick" that is rewarded in some show rings. They use a variety of gruesome techniques, including caustic chemicals that burn the horse's flesh, chains and heavy, stacked horseshoes to accomplish this artificial gait.

Some trainers even cut the hooves down to the delicate tissue and jam in hard or sharp objects to make the pain even more excruciating whenever the horse puts weight on his or her front legs.

No horse should be made to suffer for a blue ribbon—it is time that this cruelty, which is known as "soring," is stopped for good. The PAST Act (H.R. 3090/S. 4004), would amend the Horse Protection Act to end the failed system of industry self-policing, ban the use of devices integral to soring, strengthen penalties and make other reforms necessary to finally end this torture.

TAKE ACTION

Please make a brief, polite phone call now to your U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators to put an end to soring. Look up your Legislators’ phone numbers. You can say, "As your constituent, I urge you to cosponsor the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act if you haven't yet and please do all that you can to get it enacted quickly."

Calling is so important; please do not skip this crucial step. After making your call, please use the form below to send a follow-up message. Be sure to edit your message so it stands out.

This action alert is for U.S. residents. International advocates, please visit Humane Society International.

Your Message

Subject*

Dear Legislator,

As a constituent, I am writing to urge you to cosponsor the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act (H.R. 3090/S. 4004) if you haven't yet and do all you can to get this vital legislation enacted quickly, with no weakening amendments, to end the cruel "soring" of Tennessee walking horses and related breeds.

No horse should be made to suffer for a blue ribbon. Soring involves the intentional infliction of pain on a horse's legs and hooves to force the horse to perform an exaggerated, high-stepping gait known as the "Big Lick" that is rewarded in some show rings. Unscrupulous trainers use caustic chemicals that burn the horse's flesh, chains, and heavy, stacked horseshoes to cheat and win prizes. They cut the hooves down to the delicate tissue and jam in hard or sharp objects to make the pain even more excruciating whenever the horse puts weight on his or her front legs. They use electric shock and other gruesome methods to teach the horse not to flinch during inspection.

The PAST Act would amend the Horse Protection Act of 1970 to end the failed system of industry self-policing, ban the use of devices integral to soring, strengthen penalties and make other reforms necessary to finally end this torture.

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