Bill > HR1675

This bill amends the Horse Protection Act to provide enhanced safeguards for horses participating in shows, exhibitions, sales, and auctions, primarily targeting the practice of "soring" - a harmful technique used to intentionally cause pain to horses' legs to achieve an exaggerated high-stepping gait. The bill establishes a new Horse Industry Organization (HIO) with a board of up to 9 members from Tennessee and Kentucky, including representatives from the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, to oversee horse inspections and enforcement. The legislation introduces "objective inspections" conducted by veterinarians using scientific methods like swabbing and blood testing, and mandates that horse show management disqualify horses found to be sore through these inspections. Horses determined to be sore will be disqualified from shows for at least 30 days on a first offense and 90 days for subsequent offenses. The bill also requires the HIO to develop licensing requirements for inspectors, ensuring they have no conflicts of interest with the horse industry. Additionally, the legislation expands prohibited conduct, requires formal affiliations with the HIO, and mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture issue implementing regulations within 180 days of the Act's enactment. These changes aim to more effectively prevent horse abuse and improve animal welfare in horse shows and related events.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1675/all-info