PAST Act of 2021

Bill 117 HR 5441, also known as the PAST Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at addressing the issue of horse soring. Horse soring is the practice of intentionally causing pain to a horse's legs or hooves in order to exaggerate its gait and win prizes in horse shows.

The PAST Act of 2021 seeks to strengthen the Horse Protection Act of 1970 by increasing penalties for those who engage in horse soring, as well as improving enforcement mechanisms to ensure that the practice is effectively eradicated. The bill also aims to enhance the welfare of horses by prohibiting the use of certain devices and substances that are commonly used in soring.

Additionally, the PAST Act of 2021 includes provisions to increase funding for inspections and enforcement efforts, as well as to establish a new system for licensing inspectors and veterinarians who are responsible for ensuring compliance with the law. The bill also calls for the creation of a public database to track violations and enforcement actions related to horse soring. Overall, the PAST Act of 2021 represents a significant step towards ending the cruel practice of horse soring and protecting the welfare of horses in the United States. It has garnered bipartisan support in Congress and is currently under consideration in committee.