End Soring of Horses

[Richard W. Firth]

Senator Mark Warner just made public his press release concerning his reintroduction of the "Prevent All Soring Tactics Act which will give the Department of Agriculture the tools it needs to stop this cruel practice."

"Friends,

"Whether riding, racing, hunting or training, horses have been a part of Virginia’s culture for 400 years. While most are lovingly cared for, sadly there still remains a small group of bad actors determined to abuse and mistreat these animals.

"Yesterday, Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and I reintroduced legislation to protect walking horses from the abusive practice known as soring. Sorers go to great lengths to inflict pain on horses by applying blistering or burning agents, lacerations, sharp objects, or other substances or devices to a horse's legs and hooves. Because each step then becomes excruciatingly painful for the horses, the result is a high-stepping gait that is rewarded in show rings – and agony for the animals.

"Congress tried to stop soring by enacting the Horse Protection Act in 1970, but this abuse still remains unchecked and the law is in desperate need of an upgrade. The Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act will give the Department of Agriculture the tools it needs to stop this cruel practice while supporting those in the industry who train their walking horses humanely. You can read more about the bill here.

"Owners and breeders from across the Commonwealth agree: the deliberate act of inflicting pain on horses has no place in modern equestrian competition. Last Congress, Sen. Ayotte and I were joined on this bill by 58 Senate cosponsors and 308 House cosponsors from both sides of the aisle. The PAST Act has been endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Horse Council, U.S. Equestrian Federation, National Sheriffs’ Association, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, and veterinary medical associations in all 50 states. We all agree: It’s time to end this brutal and archaic practice once and for all.

"Thank you,

"Mark Warner, U. S. Senator"

Please contact both your U. S. Senators and get to sponsor and vote for this very important piece of humane legislation.