PAST Act of 2025

Summary#

This bill, the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act of 2025, changes the Horse Protection Act. It adds a clear definition for "action device," expands the meaning of "participate," and makes certain acts illegal at horse shows, exhibitions, and sales. It bans use of action devices and many weighted or gait‑altering shoes or pads on Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses, and Spotted Saddle Horses at shows, exhibitions, and sales. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must license and oversee people who inspect horses, assign licensed inspectors to events when asked, and publish information about violations. The bill raises criminal and civil penalties, gives the USDA stronger ability to disqualify horses and people, and requires the Secretary to issue regulations within 180 days.

What it means for you#

  • Horse owners and trainers: Using action devices or non‑protective weighted shoes on the listed breeds at shows or sales would be illegal. A horse found sore can be disqualified for at least 180 days on the first finding, 1 year on the second, and 3 years on the third.
  • Event managers: If you hire inspectors, those inspectors must be licensed by the USDA. Management can notify the USDA 30 days before an event and the USDA will assign licensed inspectors.
  • Inspectors and veterinarians: The USDA will license, train, and oversee inspectors and may prefer licensed or accredited veterinarians for those roles. Inspectors must report violations within 5 days and can issue citations.
  • People who violate the law: Penalties are increased and can include fines, prison, disqualification from showing or participating, and possible permanent disqualification after multiple violations.

Expenses#

  • Criminal penalties: The bill increases maximum criminal fines to more than $5,000 and imprisonment up to 3 years for each knowing violation of section 5 or its regulations.
  • Civil penalties and forfeitures: The bill raises some civil penalty amounts to $5,000 and increases other penalties from $2,000/$3,000 to $4,000/$5,000 in several places. Failure to pay a licensed inspector can bring a fine up to $4,000.
  • Disqualification: The bill sets minimum disqualification periods for horses (180 days, 1 year, 3 years) and allows permanent disqualification for people after the third or subsequent violation.
  • Administrative costs: The USDA must license inspectors, publish violations, and write regulations within 180 days. No publicly available information on the total cost to the federal government or event organizers beyond the penalties listed.

Proponents' View#

The bill's findings state that soring remains prevalent in certain breeds and that the USDA inspection program has been found inadequate. Proponents say stronger rules, clearer illegal acts, licensing of inspectors, public reporting of violations, and higher penalties will reduce soring, correct unfair competition, and protect horses.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.