MEMBERSHIP DRIVE IS LIVE!!! Join NOW at the Introductory Price of Just $5.00

  • Home
  • Our Programs
  • Get Involved
  • Become a Member
  • Resources and Links
  • Wild Horses/BLM
  • In The News
  • About Us
  • More
    • Home
    • Our Programs
    • Get Involved
    • Become a Member
    • Resources and Links
    • Wild Horses/BLM
    • In The News
    • About Us
  • Home
  • Our Programs
  • Get Involved
  • Become a Member
  • Resources and Links
  • Wild Horses/BLM
  • In The News
  • About Us

Resources and Links

Legal Information and Legislation

Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act

The Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act – the horse industry’s top animal welfare priority – lays out a common-sense solution to prevent the continued practice of taking action on a horse’s limb to produce a higher gait that may cause pain, distress, inflammation, or lameness.  The bill establishes a new system for inspecting horses for soring, revises penalties for violations of the Act, and modifies enforcement procedures.

In late July 2019, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in favor of the “U.S. Sen. Joseph Tydings (PAST) Act” (H.R. 693) by a vote of 333 to 96.  The horse industry is now focusing its efforts on the Senate, where Sens. Crapo (R-ID) and Warner (D-VA) have introduced S. 1007, legislation which includes provisions identical to the House version of the bill.  Although S. 1007 has won more than 50 cosponsors since introduction in April 2019, Senate leadership has referred the legislation to the Commerce Committee, where it has not yet moved.

Status:  While the horse industry congratulates the House of Representatives for its historic, bipartisan passage of H.R. 693, AHC urges senators to join the growing list of bipartisan supporters of S. 1007, and co-sponsor the PAST Act.  AHC also urges the Commerce Committee to pass this common-sense equine welfare measure, as currently drafted.


Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act

Investigations in the European Union several years ago found that horse meat had been mixed with beef in food.  This prompted concerns about the misleading sales of beef and concerns about the introduction into the food supply of medications and drugs that may have been in the horsemeat.  These incidents have changed the focus of legislation introduced in Congress to prohibit the sale of horses or horsemeat for human consumption.  While bills had been introduced in the last several Congresses to prohibit the slaughter of horses for food, more recent bills cited health concerns as the rationale for legislation dealing with the slaughter of horses for food.  Although lawmakers have introduced bills every year in congress since 2001 to outlaw slaughtering horses, so far none has passed.

Status:  In early 2019, Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) re-introduced the SAFE Act of 2019 (H.R. 961) to prohibit the slaughter of horses in the U.S. and the export of horses for slaughter.  The bill would make it illegal under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to knowingly sell or transport horses or parts of horses in interstate or foreign commerce for purposes of human consumption.    On January 29, 2020, the House Energy and Commerce Committee conducted a hearing on “improving safety and transparency in America’s food and drugs,” panel members received testimony related to the bill.  Although AHC has no formal position on this legislation, staff attended the hearing and will continue to monitor its progress on behalf of the membership


Horseracing Integrity Act

In March 2019, Reps. Tonko D-NY) and Barr (R-KY) reintroduced the Horseracing Integrity Act of 2019 (H.R. 1754). The bill would establish the Horseracing Anti-Doping and Medication Control Authority as an independent, private non-profit corporation with responsibility for developing and administering an anti-doping and medication control program for Thoroughbred, Quarter, and Standardbred horses that participate in horse races; and the personnel engaged in the care, training, or racing of such horses.  In June, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced S. 1820, a companion measure in the Senate.  On January 28, 2020, the House Energy and Commerce Committee conducted a hearing on the bill and received testimony from a variety of witnesses.  Although AHC has no formal position on this legislation, staff attended the hearing and will continue to monitor its progress on behalf of the membership.


PACT Act

“Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act” or the “PACT Act” was signed into law by President Trump on November 25, 2019. The bipartisan bill, which passed the House and Senate earlier in the year, will outlaw purposeful crushing, burning, drowning, suffocation, impalement or other violence causing “serious bodily injury” to animals. Violations could result in a fine and up to seven years’ imprisonment. The PACT Act has been cheered not only by animal welfare groups but also by many members of law enforcement who want federal tools. Without a federal ban, it’s hard to prosecute cases that span different jurisdictions or that occur in airports, military bases and other places under federal purview.  The legislation outlines exemptions for humane euthanasia; slaughter for food; recreational activities such as hunting, trapping and fishing; medical and scientific research; “normal veterinary, agricultural husbandry, or other animal management practice”; and actions that are necessary “to protect the life or property of a person.”  AHC will monitor implementation of the new law.


GRANTS

Grants

  

  • American Humane administers  the Meacham grant to 501(c)(3) organizations and the Second Chance Fund to both public and private shelters or rescues.
  • Animal Farm Foundation offers  grants for pet-accessible housing, enrichment and other programs for 501(c)(3) organizations focused on supporting pit bull type dogs by  providing equal opportunities and treatment.
  • ASPCA Grants program provides support to a variety of U.S.-based nonprofit animal welfare organizations  through cash grants, sponsorships, and training.
  • Banfield Foundation funds U.S. programs designed to keep pets and owners together. Various opportunities exist for 501(c)(3) organizations.
  • The Binky Foundation is  focused primarily on assisting individuals and organizations seeking to take those initial steps that are critical to achieving a significant benefit or advancement toward protecting animals and their habitats.
  • Bissell Pet Foundation provides financial support to programs of municipal and 501(c)(3) organizations focused on adoption, spay/neuter, microchipping, foster care, and safety  nets. Funding also considered for emergency relief in addition to hoarding and puppy mill rescue efforts.
  • The Grey Muzzle      Organization provides grants and special programs for      501(c)(3) organizations whose activities include helping senior dogs.
  • The Kenneth A. Scott      Charitable Trust invites proposals from active  501(c)(3) humane organizations based in the USA for projects designed to  enhance the well-being of animals in Ohio and in the Great Lakes region (IL, IN, MI, WI, Western PA, Upstate NY, and Northeastern MN).
  • Laura J. Niles Foundation funds 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily in the Northeastern U.S., with initiatives that support people and animals simultaneously. Areas of concentration include canine health research, animal protection &      adoption, search & rescue training, human assistance and similar fields of interest.
  • Maddie's Fund offers a variety of grants and opportunities designed to help build and sustain a no-kill nation so shelter dogs and cats can be guaranteed a loving home.
  • Oxbow Animal Rescue Grant supports operating and programs for rescue organizations caring for specific  species of reptiles, small animals, and wildlife, and cats.
  • The Pedigree Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations for programs that enhance dog adoptions.
  • PETCO Foundation offers disaster assistance and pet food bank support to municipal and private organizations.
  • Petfinder Foundation offers  support for disaster preparation and recovery, enrichment, pet sponsorship  and vaccinations to Petfinder members. Municipal and private agencies are  eligible.
  • PetSmart Charities, Inc. supports nonprofits, municipalities, and animal welfare organizations whose companion animal programs help enrich lives through the human-animal bond.
  • The Summerlee Foundation focuses  primarily on cats in the U.S. and Canada, dogs primarily in Latin America,  wildlife, marine life, sanctuary for captive animals, wildlife  rehabilitation and emergency funding.
  • USDA Rural Development      Housing and Community Facilities Program offers loans  and grants for essential community facilities, including municipal and      private animal shelters, in communities with populations under 20,000.
  • William and Charlotte Parks      Foundation for Animal Welfare provides funding to   domestic and international 501(c)(3) organizations for project   grants.

Copyright © 2022 US Horse Welfare and Rescue National Coalition Org - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by GoDaddy

  • Home
  • Become a Member
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • How to get involved
  • downloadable files

This website for USHNC uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept