Hanaeleh Horse Rescue and Advocacy

a non-profit horse rescue working with abandoned, neglected and abused horses. Stop horse slaughter NOW!

      
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Horse Advocacy: 3 Current Bills, Where We Are Now, What You Can Do

August 8, 2017 By jjazwiec

horse-advocacy-current-bills-where-we-are-now-what-you-can-do-2UPDATED: March 2019. Hanaeleh’s mission is to promote horse advocacy and welfare. Here’s an update on three important bills that effect the welfare of equines in the U.S. right now. Take action today – be a voice for horses!

Polite calls to your Congressperson and Senators work best! Find your Congress members by using the links below.

Click here to…Find My Representative!
Click here to…Find My Senators!

The PAST Act (Horse Protection Act)

House of Representatives H.R. 693

The PAST Act strengthens the ability of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enforce the Horse Protect Act (HPA) of 1970 by banning the use of devices using in soring and strengthening penalties for trainers who still abuse horses. Although Congress tried to stop soring more than four decades ago with the Horse Protection Act, the abuse is still widespread in a small segment of the industry. Those who stand to profit from this illegal activity go to great lengths to cover their tracks and pressure their legislators to defend the status quo.

“Soring” involves the intentional infliction of pain on a horse’s legs and hooves to force the horse to perform an exaggerated, high-stepping gait known as the “Big Lick.” Unscrupulous trainers use caustic chemicals that burn the horse’s flesh, chains, cutting and heavy, stacked horseshoes to accomplish this artificial gait rewarded in show rings.

Additionally, the USDA, led by Secretary Sonny Perdue, has frozen a final rule that would achieve urgently-needed reforms like The Past Act. The rule was seven years in the making with strong bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress, and hundreds of horse organizations, veterinarians and animal health / protection agencies. Secretary Perdue can publish this final rule at any time – there is no reason to delay any further.

What You Can Do

  1. If your representative supports The Past Act (HR 693), call and thank them!
  2. If not, call your Representative and let them know you want The PAST Act (HR 693) passed to bring horse soring to an end once and for all.
  3. Write the Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, and let him know you support The PAST Act. Demand that he put an end to this terrible abuse.

Attn: Secretary Perdue
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, DC 20250

The SAFE Act (Safe American Food Exports Act) to End Horse Slaughter.

House of Representatives H.R. 961 – Click Here for a List of Cosponsors
Senate Bill: TBA

The SAFE Act would prohibit the purchase, sale or transportation of horses across U.S. borders for the purpose of slaughter and human consumption. Not only is horse slaughter incredibly inhumane and cruel, but horses are routinely given medications that are toxic and cancerous to humans. Horse meat should not end up in the American food supply.

Hanaeleh, the Humane Society of the United States, Animal Welfare Institute, International Fund for Horses, Equine Welfare Alliance, Inc., Habitat for Horses and Veterinarians for Equine Welfare as well as the 80% of Americans are against horse slaughter. For more details, click here.

What You Can Do

  1. If your representative or senator supports The SAFE Act, call and thank them!
  2. If not, call your representative and senator and urge them to cosponsor The SAFE Act H.R. 961.
  3. If not, get ready to call your senator and urge them to cosponsor The SAFE Act as soon as the bill is introduced.

Horseracing Integrity Act of 2019

House of Representatives: There is a bill in Congress right now to stop the abuse and reform the industry to focus on equine welfare.
Senate: TBA

This bill authorizes the creation of a new Horseracing Anti-Doping and Medication Authority with the power to set uniform racing medication rules, anti-doping control rules, testing and procedural rules, and prohibit the use of any substance or medication within 24 hours of a race. The rules set by the Authority would apply not only to Thoroughbred races, but Quarter Horse and Standardbred races as well. The adoption of a national, uniform standard for these rules in horseracing is in the best welfare of the horses and promotes cleaner competition for the industry.

What You Can Do

  • Call your Representative and urge them to cosponsor the Horseracing Integrity Act (HR 1754) to protect race horses and ensure a level playing field for the animals, jockeys, trainers and fans.
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Call of the Wild July 1 2025

Call of the Wild Day of Action for America’s Wild Horses and Burros (and Public Land!)

June 30, 2025 By ezarkos

This is an urgent alert for every organization and individual who cares about the protection, preservation, and survival of America’s Wild Horses and Burros and our precious Public Lands. We must all act together on One Massive National Call-In Day of Protest. We are asking you to spend just 10 … [Read More...]

Southern California: 8 yr old Thoroughbred Gelding Needs Home!

June 23, 2025 By ezarkos

We were contacted by a woman who has been trying to find a home for her beautiful 17hh, 8 yr old (4/12/17) dappled grey Thoroughbred gelding, Argento (means silver). Argento raced when he was younger, and his registered named is Little Cairo. He is a descendent of American Pharaoh, and was sold as a … [Read More...]

Help “Spirit” 9 y/o Buckskin Quarter Horse Gelding Find a New Home (Norco CA)

June 17, 2025 By ezarkos

We were contacted by one of our supporters who had rescued a nine year-old buckskin Quarter Horse gelding from auction. He was shut down at first, but she has done quite a bit of work with him on the ground and he is starting to come around and be more sociable. Sadly, Spirit has navicular, and … [Read More...]

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