The Senate Committee on Appropriations acted on a raft of animal welfare measures late last week, building on the House committee’s earlier work and helping set the stage for positive results in the final package. In a few areas—specifically directing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to phase out cosmetics testing on animals, providing increased funding for the U.S.
As in recent years, the annual congressional appropriations process continues to be a key path for us to seek progress for animals. The legislation funding programs within the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration is a top priority because appropriations-focused lobbying and policymaking makes it possible to address a wide range of species and issues at one time and in one package.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
On June 2, Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby, suspended horse racing upon the recommendation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority after 12 horses died in a span of a few weeks at the track.
In federal court filing, Biden Administration’s Department of Agriculture refuses to take action to protect horses
In federal court filing, Biden Administration’s Department of Agriculture refuses to take action to protect horses
In federal court filing, Biden Administration’s Department of Agriculture refuses to take action to protect horses
The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund respond to USDA’s decision not to commit to increasing protections of horses under federal Horse Protection Act
Kentucky’s Churchill Downs horse racing track suspends racing upon recommendation of The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority after 12 horse deaths
Kentucky’s Churchill Downs horse racing track suspends racing upon recommendation of The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority after 12 horse deaths
Kentucky’s Churchill Downs horse racing track suspends racing upon recommendation of The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority after 12 horse deaths
WASHINGTON (June 2, 2023)—In response to Kentucky’s Churchill Downs horse racing track announcement of a halt to racing upon the recommendation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund issued the following statement.
Keith Dane, senior director of equine protection at the HSUS, said:
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Update 6/16/23: The Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. The U.S. still exports tens of thousands of horses to slaughter. It’s well past time we permanently ban domestic horse slaughter in the U.S. and stop the export of American horses for slaughter abroad.
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Update March 21, 2024: The Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act has just been reintroduced in the U.S. Senate as S. 4004 by Sens. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Mark Warner, D-Va., with 48 other original cosponsors—that’s half the Senate! The parallel House bill, H.R. 3090, now has 241 co-sponsors, more than a majority in that chamber. It’s high time to enact the PAST Act and end the indefensible cruelty to horses known as “soring.”
By Keith Dane
Update 5/8/23: A total of seven horses died at Churchill Downs in the days leading up to and on the day of the Kentucky Derby, and five horses were scratched. In light of these facts, it is shocking that the race was even run. Lives are on the line: The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act must be fully implemented and enforced immediately. Anyone seeking to delay such protections for horses cares nothing at all for the welfare of these animals.
