AVMA Applauds Passage of PAST Act

1. AVMA Applauds Passage of
PAST Act
By: Phillip Kapraun

2. AVMA Applauds Passage of PAST Act
Dr. Phillip Kapraun is an experienced veterinarian who diagnoses and treats lameness in race
horses. An astute professional, Dr. Phillip Kapraun is also a member of the American Veterinary
Medical Association (AVMA).

3. AVMA Applauds Passage of PAST Act
In July 2019, AVMA released a press statement applauding the passage of the Prevent All Soring
Tactics (PAST) Act by the US House of Representatives. The Act provides crucial enforcement
systems to completely end the cruel act of soring horses.

4. AVMA Applauds Passage of PAST Act
Soring is the act of causing pain to a horse with the intention of exaggerating its gait, so as to gain
an advantage while competing in horse shows. Common soring tactics involve applying harsh
chemicals onto the horse's flesh, striking sore legs with chains, and nailing hard objects like screws
down to the sensitive tissues in their hooves. The practice has been ongoing for decades with
horses subjected to it ultimately living very painful lives. Initial attempts to ban the cruel act were
rendered ineffective because the existing enforcement system was industry-run.

5. AVMA Applauds Passage of PAST Act
The PAST Act not only bans soring, it also increases its penalties, amends the horse industry’s
failed self-policing system, and makes necessary additional reforms to stop the practice. The Act
was endorsed by AVMA together with the American Association of Equine Practitioners.