The Humane Society of the US (HSUS) has honored US Congressmen Steve Cohen and Brian Fitzpatrick as its 2021 Humane Horsemen of the 12 months.
Within the quotation for the award, the HSUS stated Reps. Cohen and Fitzpatrick had been tireless of their efforts to outlaw the abusive horse coaching observe often called soring and have been leaders in producing help amongst their colleagues for the Forestall All Soring Techniques (PAST) Act (H.R. 5441).
“The 2 additionally proceed to guide efforts to finish the slaughter of American horses with their long-standing help of laws banning the observe right here within the U.S. and the export of horses for slaughter, together with the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act (H.R. 3355). Each payments are co-sponsored by a bipartisan majority within the Home of Representatives due to their efforts.”
The award is introduced yearly to people who exhibit an excellent dedication to defending American equines.
Cohen and Fitzpatrick are longtime members of the Congressional Animal Safety Caucus, which works on a bipartisan foundation to advance the passage of animal welfare laws within the Home.
Cohen has spoken out strongly towards soring in his residence state of Tennessee — one of many locations the observe is most prevalent. Soring includes trainers burning and disfiguring the entrance legs and hooves of Tennessee strolling horses and different associated breeds to provide a pain-based, synthetic high-stepping gait prized in some competitions.
“I recognize the Humane Society of the US recognizing my work stopping hurt and selling the secure therapy of horses — from the soring of Tennessee strolling horses to the welfare of untamed horses and burros within the West. It’s an honor to be named the Humane Society’s Humane Horseman of the 12 months,” Cohen stated.
Fitzpatrick, who’s the Republican lead on the PAST Act, understands the significance of bipartisan help of animal welfare laws and represents a district by which many horse companies function.
“I’m really honored to obtain this yr’s Humane Horseman of the 12 months Award,” Fitzpatrick stated.
“On this Congress, I’ll proceed to champion this situation and advance each H.R. 5441, the Forestall All Soring Techniques (PAST) Act, which might finish the brutal abuse ways used on present horses, and H.R. 3355, the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, which might totally ban the transport of horses for the aim of slaughter.”
HSUS senior director of equine safety Keith Dane stated the charity was happy to honor the pair for his or her long-standing commitments to defending horses. “As a lifelong horseman and equine advocate, I’m one in all numerous Individuals who acknowledge and recognize their dynamic work on behalf of horses.”
The PAST and SAFE Acts had been just lately heard by the Home Power and Commerce Committee’s subcommittee on Client Safety and Commerce, and the Humane Society of the US is urging management to maneuver the laws ahead to a vote within the full Home.
