Bill Overview
Title: Protecting Horses from Soring Act of 2022
Description: This bill revises requirements concerning the inspection of horse shows, exhibitions, sales, and actions for sored horses (e.g., horses suffering from pain when moving due to substances or devices placed on their limbs). Specifically, this bill replaces a requirement for the Department of Agriculture to prescribe regulations governing the appointment of inspectors with a requirement for the Horse Industry Organization, which is established by this bill, to appoint inspectors.
Sponsors: Sen. Hagerty, Bill [R-TN]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in or attending horse shows, exhibitions, and sales
Estimated Size: 200000
- Soring is a practice that affects horses, particularly those used in shows and exhibitions, often leading to significant pain and distress for the animals.
- The practice of soring has been banned, but enforcement can be inconsistent, leaving horses vulnerable.
- This bill aims to adjust the enforcement by replacing USDA appointed inspectors with those appointed by a new Horse Industry Organization.
- Improving inspection procedures will directly affect the welfare of horses in the industry by potentially reducing instances of soring.
Reasoning
- Soring is primarily relevant to those deeply involved with horse shows, such as trainers, owners, and regular exhibition attendees. Thus, the policy's impact is less direct for the general public but significant for the specific niche group.
- The economic budget for this policy suggests a focused approach to improve inspection standards, impacting the welfare of horses and the integrity of shows.
- The new inspection protocol aims to ensure more consistent enforcement against soring, providing welfare improvements for horses and peace of mind for those who care for their welfare.
- Given the large number of horse shows in the U.S., the policy would potentially affect a large share of related activities, though directly impacting a subset actively participating or overseeing horse care.
- The common perception in the general public might not change drastically, as horse welfare-related policies might not be a broad public concern. However, individuals closely tied to the horse industry might see a more pronounced impact on their overall perceptions and feelings of wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
Horse Trainer (Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I welcome any change that ensures better welfare for the horses under my care.
- Switching enforcement to industry-based inspectors may improve accountability, but only if there's proper oversight.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Horse Owner (Kentucky)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the changes are overdue. Inspectors that are more involved in our industry will likely know better what to look for.
- This act could increase my operations' credibility.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Equestrian Enthusiast (Florida)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Greater industry oversight is crucial to prevent cruel practices like soring.
- The act provides hope for a safer environment for horses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Veterinarian (California)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The shift to industry-appointed inspectors may improve effectiveness, but I'm concerned about potential biases.
- Ultimately, horse welfare should be the primary concern, and this could improve under the new structure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Animal Rights Activist (New York)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The bill seems like a promising way to ensure that horses involved in shows are treated with respect.
- A system with better enforcement can discourage soring practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Horse Show Judge (Georgia)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This may make my role easier if horses are better cared for before shows.
- Enforcement needs to be consistent to ensure fair competition.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Horse Auctioneer (Nevada)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While this aims to improve horse welfare, more stringent inspections might also complicate auction procedures.
- We need to balance welfare with operational feasibilities.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Riding Instructor (Colorado)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Safety for my students and the well-being of our horses are paramount; this bill supports that goal.
- Having better inspectors that understand the needs of horses at events is essential.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Local Government Official (Ohio)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving conditions for horses is important, but local resources are limited.
- The bill's focus is positive, but we need to ensure it doesn't burden local entities extensively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Equestrian Gear Seller (Tennessee)
Age: 31 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Stricter inspections might mean less demand for more controversial gear associated with soring, positively affecting my business's reputation.
- The bill could stabilize equestrian trends, which is good for business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000 (Low: $1200000, High: $1800000)
Year 2: $1350000 (Low: $1080000, High: $1620000)
Year 3: $1300000 (Low: $1040000, High: $1560000)
Year 5: $1250000 (Low: $1000000, High: $1500000)
Year 10: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1200000)
Year 100: $500000 (Low: $400000, High: $600000)
Key Considerations
- Enforcement and compliance strategies need to be robust to truly impact horse welfare appreciably.
- Establishing the Horse Industry Organization might encounter initial delays or cost overruns.
- The transition phase from USDA inspectors to industry-appointed inspectors needs careful management to avoid enforcement gaps.