Bill Overview
Title: PAST Act of 2021
Description: of 2022 This bill addresses the practice of soring horses. The soring of horses includes various actions taken on horses' limbs to produce higher gaits that may cause pain, distress, inflammation, or lameness. Specifically, the bill expands soring regulation and enforcement at horse shows, exhibitions, sales, and auctions, including by establishing a new system for inspecting horses for soring. In addition, the bill increases penalties for violations.
Sponsors: Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in or affected by the horse soring industry worldwide
Estimated Size: 50000
- The PAST Act focuses on regulating the practice of soring horses, impacting individuals involved in horse shows, exhibitions, and sales.
- Horse trainers, owners, and handlers who may currently engage in or be affected by soring practices are directly impacted.
- The broader equestrian community, including event organizers and participants, could be influenced by changes in inspection and enforcement policies.
- The animal welfare community, including activists and organizations focused on preventing animal cruelty, will find the legislation relevant.
Reasoning
- The PAST Act primarily impacts individuals and organizations directly involved with equestrian events where soring is prevalent.
- The policy might have more pronounced effects on those who own or manage Tennessee Walking Horses and similar breeds, as these are more often subject to soring practices.
- Animal welfare activists may see this as a positive step, potentially improving their wellbeing due to an alignment with their values.
- There may be some resistance from trainers or owners who feel this policy impacts their competitive edge, affecting their wellbeing negatively in the short term.
- General public impact will be minimal unless they are closely associated with equestrian sports or animal welfare advocacy.
Simulated Interviews
Horse Trainer (Tennessee)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand why people want to regulate soring, but it adds a lot of stress and extra steps for competition readiness.
- The new inspections mean more costs and time sunk into preparation for shows.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Veterinarian (California)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The PAST Act is a necessary step to promote the humane treatment of horses.
- I support more rigorous inspections to protect these animals from harm.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Horse Breeder (Kentucky)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act might hurt the market for some of my horses.
- Increases in regulation could drive up costs and lower buyer interest.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Animal Welfare Activist (New York)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm thrilled to see the enforcement of harsher penalties on soring.
- This policy encourages a healthier and more humane treatment of horses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Retired Equestrian Judge (Florida)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Stringent inspections are overdue in ensuring fair play and animal welfare at horse shows.
- The act might face initial resistance, but it's for the long-term good of the sport.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Horse Owner (Texas)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about the increased costs associated with compliance.
- I do see some positive aspects, like deterring unfair advantages through illegal means.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Equestrian Event Organizer (Ohio)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There will be some logistical challenges at first implementing these inspections.
- In the long run, it could enhance the reputation of the events.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Farm Worker (Arkansas)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not directly involved with soring, so it doesn't change much for me.
- If it reduces animal suffering, that's good.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Horse Show Judge (Missouri)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The PAST Act is an excellent move toward equitable competition.
- It reinforces the core values of respect and care for animals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Policy Maker (Washington)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Implementing the PAST Act is a step towards more humane legislation.
- Balancing enforcement with compliance costs is crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Year 3: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Year 5: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Year 10: $3500000 (Low: $2500000, High: $4500000)
Year 100: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Key Considerations
- The act is primarily focused on enhancing animal welfare standards by preventing abusive practices in horse shows.
- The costs involve establishing and maintaining a regulatory framework to ensure compliance in the industry.
- Penalty revenues may offset some of the enforcement costs, but overall cost savings are not expected.
- The specific equestrian community's impact may vary regionally based on the prevalence of horse shows and sales.