Schakowsky Celebrates House Passage of Bill Banning Horse Soring

WASHINGTON – Today,Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, applauds the passage of the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, which prohibits the despicable act of deliberately inflicting pain on a horse to force them into an exaggerated high-stepping gait known as the big lick. The bill, which she introduced alongside Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16), passed the House of Representatives last night by an overwhelming 304 to 111 bipartisan vote.

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. Trainers will be banned from using caustic chemicals, such as diesel fuel and mustard oil, on a horse's skin and will no longer be able to insert sharp painful objects into their hooves. These techniques are not only considered cheating in competitions, but also cause horses distress, and may lead to lameness.

"As a strong supporter of animal rights, and as a former horse owner, I am thrilled we are one step closer to ending the inhumane practice of horse soaring," said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. "My bill, the PAST Act, which I was proud to introduce with Reps. Steve Cohen (TN-09), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Vern Buchanan (FL-16), will prohibit the intentional injury to the hooves and legs of performance walking horses. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and all the tireless advocates to ensure this critical bill becomes law."

"Horse ‘soring' is one of the worst cruelties imaginable—where scofflaw trainers deliberately torment Tennessee walking horses to get them to fling their front legs high, just to win a cheap blue ribbon in a show ring. It'd be like forcing an Olympian to wear broken glass in her shoes so the pain will make her leap higher over the hurdles," said Sara Amundson, President of Humane Society Legislative Fund. "We are so grateful to Chairwoman Schakowsky for her outstanding leadership and to all who cosponsored and voted for this bill and helped get it to the House floor for this vote. The Senate should follow suit quickly to get the PAST Act over the finish line and USDA should note the broad bipartisan support for stronger enforcement to end this torture."

The bill now advances to the Senate with a clear message—the American people will not stand for animal cruelty in any form.

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