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Knowing of your interest in animal welfare issues, I wanted to update you on newly introduced legislation designed to protect horses from abuse.
Today, I became an original cosponsor of the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, a bipartisan bill authored by my colleagues Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.). The PAST Act will crack down on individuals that "sore" horses, a practice where horses are maimed in order to make them walk with high-stepping gaits that are rewarded in show rings. Soring is inhumane, unnecessary, and cruel. We need to toughen federal laws and end this abusive training tactic which exists only for entertainment and shows.
Among its provisions, the PAST Act increases penalties on individuals caught soring horses and requires the Department of Agriculture to increase inspections at certain horse exhibitions. Individuals accused of horse soaring will face felony charges, fines, and up to three years of incarceration. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that the PAST Act becomes law.
Again, I appreciate you taking the time to contact my office about animal welfare issues. I hope you will continue to keep in touch with my office and please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of assistance.
- Pat Toomey
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