Congressman Cohen Applauds Passage of PAST Act

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a longtime member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, who received the Humane Society of the United States’ “Humane Horseman of the Year” award in June, today applauded House passage of his Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act to prevent the intentional injury to horses’ feet and legs to produce the artificial gait known as “The Big Lick” in horse show competitions. Congressman Cohen has been part of the leadership team of this bill since its first introduction.

The bill passed by a vote of 304 to 111.

Congressman Cohen spoke from the House floor on the measure before the vote and said in part:

“The PAST Act would shut down the cruel practice of horse soring…It’s a horrendous practice that horse trainers have used in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, Spotted Saddle and Racking Horse shows. The Big Lick is wrong…I’m proud to lead the fight to end it. We’re going to end it.”

See those remarks here.

Congressman Cohen thanked the 263 cosponsors of the measure and also singled out the efforts of Priscilla Presley, Elvis’ widow, who has been a longtime champion of ending soring.

The bill is supported by hundreds of stakeholder groups and individuals, including the Humane Society, American Horse Council, U.S. Equestrian Federation, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, the state veterinary organizations of all 50 states, National Sheriffs' Association, and Association of Prosecuting Attorneys. 

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