Congressman Deutch (FL-21) has cosponsored H.R. 1518, the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act of 2013.

Soring is a tactic used on horses to produce a higher gait that gives it an unfair competitive advantage at horse shows. In order to achieve this gait, pain must be deliberately inflicted upon the hooves and legs of horses.

H.R. 1518 prohibits the act of soring, and creates harsher punishments for trainers found guilty. The legislation mandates that horse show organizers use only USDA-licensed inspectors to examine horses before a show, and disqualifies violators from many categories of horse show-related activities. This bill will protect horses by putting an end to unnecessary cruelty and creating sound consequences for violators.

To read more about H.R. 1518, click here.