Fitzpatrick, Buchanan bill aims to protect horses from abuse

U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) led 183 of their colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation on May 5 that would prohibit the unethical practice of horse “soring.”

Horse soring is when the legs and hooves of performance horses are deliberately injured to exaggerate their gait and gain an unfair advantage during walking competitions.

“Horse soring is a vile and inhumane practice that must be prohibited,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick, who serves as co-chair of the Animal Protection Caucus.

The Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act of 2023, H.R. 3090, was sponsored by Rep. Fitzpatrick and cosponsored by Rep. Buchanan and Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), among many others. The bill, if enacted, would amend the Horse Protection Act to designate horse soring as unlawful, would strengthen penalties for violations of the Act, and would improve U.S. Department of Agriculture enforcement of the Act.

“The practice of horse ‘soring’ is nothing less than animal torture,” said Rep. Buchanan. “As the co-chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, I am pleased to back this legislation to end this inhumane practice. Anyone who abuses horses in this matter should be held accountable.”

The legislation, which is endorsed by the Humane Society Legislative Fund, is under consideration in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.