Cohen Praises President Obama’s decision to End Soring of Tennessee Walking Horses

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement commending the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) and Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) finalization of proposed changes aimed at ending the horrific practice of horse soring. Soring, the intentional infliction of pain on horses' feet and legs to achieve the high stepping pain-based, "big lick" gait, has plagued both the Tennessee Walking Horse breed and the great state of Tennessee for more than half a century.

"How we treat animals is a direct reflection of our character, both as individuals and a nation," said Congressman Cohen. "Throughout my legislative career, both as a state Senator and as a Member of Congress, I have worked to raise awareness of and combat inhumane treatment of animals, and horse soring is truly one of the worst practices. I applaud the Obama Administration for finalizing this much-needed update to the existing Horse Protection Act regulations. The final rule incorporates two significant reforms consistent with the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act that I have sponsored and worked to advance over the past five years. I'm proud we have been able to build upon the ground-breaking legislation Senator Joe Tydings passed in 1970."

Former Senator Joe Tydings (D-MD), the father of the Horse Protection Act, stated, "From my early days riding to my service during World War II to even today, horses and ponies always have been a part of my life. It was during my tenure representing Maryland in the U.S. Senate, that I first became aware of a sickening practice all too often inflicted on the stoic creature known as the Tennessee Walking Horse. The practice results in docile, trusting horses being tortured day after day, with many effectively crippled for life after their show days. I applaud Secretary Tom Vilsack and the Administration for finalizing these regulations that reflect the intent and spirit of my legislation, the Horse Protection Act of 1970."

The final rule was published in the Federal Register today and will enable USDA to assume responsibility for training, screening and licensing of inspectors, and eliminate the failed industry self-policing that was deemed both ineffective and corrupt by the USDA's own Office of Inspector General in a 2010 audit. It will also align the Horse Protection Act regulations with mainstream equestrian standards and the strong recommendations of the American Horse Council, the American Veterinary Medical Association and many others by banning the use of chains, large stacked shoes, and foreign substances at horse show events.