July 30, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 129 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




U.S. SENATOR JOSEPH D. TYDINGS MEMORIAL PREVENT ALL SORING TACTICS ACT 
                                OF 2019

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2019

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 693, the U.S. 
Senator Joseph D. Tydings Memorial Prevent All Soring Tactics Act of 
2019 or the ``PAST'' Act.
  Put simply, soring is the cruel practice of intentionally inflicting 
pain on a horse's legs or hooves to alter the horse's gait. This is 
done by applying caustic chemicals such as diesel fuel, and mustard oil 
to the skin, and inserting sharp painful objects into horses' hooves to 
achieve an artificial high-stepping gait. It is all too commonly 
inflicted on horses that participate in Tennessee Walking Horse 
competitions.
  As a former horse owner myself, I am deeply disturbed about the pain 
and suffering these majestic animals are put through. Soring is already 
prohibited by the laws of the United States. Congress passed the Horse 
Protection Act in 1970 to address the problem. What we are doing today 
is identifying gaps in the original law and fixing them.
  No other category of horse show has federal oversight because no 
other group of trainers and horse show enthusiasts intentionally injure 
horses as a way to enhance performance. This practice belongs in the 
same category as dogfighting and cockfighting in that people hurt 
animals in severe ways just for entertainment. Ending this despicable 
practice is long overdue.
  Since the PAST Act was first introduced in the 113th Congress it has 
never had fewer than 272 cosponsors and has always been a firmly 
bipartisan bill with co-sponsors representing districts across the 
country. The PAST Act is also supported by hundreds of veterinary and 
equine groups--including the veterinary medical associations from all 
50 states. I would like to recognize the hard work of the individuals 
within these outside animal rights advocates--particularly Marty Irby, 
Executive Director of Animal Wellness Action, who has dedicated so many 
years to this purpose.
  As the chair of the subcommittee where this bill is assigned, I am 
proud to stand in favor of this anti-cruelty legislation. Let's send 
the bill to the Senate with a strong vote that shows how Americans will 
not stand for animal abuse.

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