Industry proposes stricter rules to end abusive horse training
Industry proposes stricter rules to end abusive horse training
By Sarah Gonzalez
© Copyright Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2013- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is leading the renewed effort to eliminate the illegal practice of “horse soring,” a training method found most prevalently in Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses, and Spotted Saddle Horses.
AVMA and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) hosted a Capitol Hill briefing last week on H.R. 1518, the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act. Among other provisions, the bill would require USDA to license veterinarians to replace the industry’s existing inspection program.
Horse soring, which enhances the walking horse’s natural gait to create an exaggerated step known as the “Big Lick,” has been illegal since the passage of the 1970 Horse Protection Act (HPA). However, the practice is still prevalent in walking horse performance circles, as confirmed by a 2010 USDA Office of Inspector General report.
One of two veterinarians in Congress, Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., backs the legislation to amend the HPA. He said he’s seen evidence of the practice during his years as a large animal veterinarian. “It’s abuse. It would be like belt sanding the skin off your feet and asking you to go run a race the next day,” he said.
(*** Note: A disturbing pic at link)
http://www.agri-pulse.com/Industry-proposes-stricter-rules-to-end-abusive-horse-training-7312013.asp
