Please sign and share this petition worldwide to take a stand against this horrifying horse abuse. There has been a cruel practice of “soring” horses that has been banned through a bill introduced by Kentucky Republican Representative Ed Whitfield and polarized by the House of Representatives. Soring is known as wrapping the hooves of horses in corrosive chemicals, then applying chains or bands to the wounds in order to create an artificially high-stepping gait. Such practices became heightened under scrutiny in Congress.
Although Representative Whitfield’s bill is in practice, it has been met with opposition by a fellow Republican Tennessee Representative Marsha Blackburn. Both Tennessee and Kentucky show the bulk of gaited show horses using this appalling and cruel practice on their animals to get a high-stepped gait. Although the horses may look happy in their graceful prancing, they are actually flinching in pain and discomfort.
Whitfield's bill, called the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, would prohibit the use of any artificial tools to make horses hold their legs higher and stiffen maximum penalties for those who break existing Horse Protection Act statutes. It would also require that horse inspectors looking for soring be licensed by the USDA, and prohibit those with financial interests in the show industry from acting as inspectors. Tennessee Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen is also a leading sponsor of the bill. However, Representative Blackburn is opposing the bill because it could result in “potentially eliminating the show horse industry and the breeds” even though the horses are being treated cruelly. You can read more about the horse and abuse and witness the video at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/16/horse-abuse-law_n_4277033.html.
This is a definite act of animal cruelty against these beautiful, graceful creatures! Please sign and share this petition worldwide to tell Congresswoman Blackburn to stop opposing the bill to stop soring, and take a stand against this horrifying horse abuse.
