Legislation intended to stop abuse of Tennessee Walking Horses was approved Monday by the U.S. House in a bipartisan vote, over opposition of several Tennessee Republicans.
Congress has been debating what’s known as the “Prevent All Soring Tactics” — or PAST — Act for a decade. Animal rights groups say the Tennessee Walking Horse, like those featured at the national celebration in Shelbyville, wouldn’t kick so high if it weren’t in pain. Inflicting that pain, in very creative ways, is what’s known as soring.
Rep. John Rose, who just coasted to reelection in a district now stretching from East Nashville to Cookeville, says he opposes injuring horses so they’ll kick their hooves higher — an exaggerated high stepping known as the “big lick.” But he voted against the measure and explained why on the House floor.
“The PAST Act does not create a scientific, objective process for inspections, and until we have that, the remaining bad actors will continue to go under the radar, while those acting with integrity could be treated unfairly,” he said.
The Humane Society of the United States is celebrating passage of the proposal to amend the Horse Protection Act of 1970. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, is among the lead sponsors.
“These advocates have worked tirelessly to reform the breed from within, but they also know that the PAST Act is necessary to codify protection of our horses,” Keith Dane, HSUS senior director of equine protection, said in a written statement. “We celebrate this action by the House and strongly urge the Senate to finally bring this crucial legislation to a vote.”
But there is little hope of a vote in the closely-divided Senate before the end of the term, according to Marty Irby of Animal Wellness Action. Senators from both Tennessee and Kentucky have already voiced their opposition, though they’ve previously agreed to compromise legislation that was ultimately opposed by the Humane Society.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM