Congresswoman Schakowsky's Statement on the Passage of the PAST Act
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip, made the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 693, the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, by a vote of 333-96:
"I am so proud to have sponsored, voted for, and help pass the PAST Act.
"The PAST Act prevents horse soring, the despicable act of deliberately inflicting pain on a horse in order to force them into an exaggerated high-stepping gait known as the ‘big lick.' Unscrupulous trainers do this by using caustic chemicals such as diesel fuel and mustard oil on a horse's skin or inserting sharp painful objects into their hooves. These techniques are not only considered cheating in competitions, but also cause the horses distress, excruciating pain, and may lead to lameness.
"The PAST Act expands soring regulation and enforcement at horse shows, exhibitions, and other locations by establishing a new system of inspection and increasing penalties for violations. As a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus and a former horse owner myself, I can say that this legislation is long overdue.
"While the Horse Protection Act of 1970 took important steps, there were too many gaps in the original law and trainers have been able to practice the cruel technique of soring for nearly 50 years. No other category of horse shows has federal oversight because no other group of trainers and horse show enthusiasts intentionally injure horses as a way to enhance performance.
"Since the PAST Act was first introduced in the 113th Congress, it has always received firm bipartisan support. With such an overwhelming show of support for the bill, the PAST Act moves to the Senate with a clear message—the American people will not stand for animal cruelty in any form."