Government accused of refusing to protect horses

The US is proposing to withdraw a rule that was aimed to stamp out the "systemic cruelty" of soring horses

- ELEANOR JONES

THE US government has been accused of refusing to protect horses, after a proposed withdrawal of rules that would have banned soring – but officials insist the withdrawal is a “necessary step”.

H&H has reported on efforts in the US to outlaw horrific practices employed by some trainers, to try to achieve the “big lick” high-stepping gait in Tennessee walking and other horses. In 2021, 48 senators wrote to agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack, urging the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to publish a rule developed under him during the Obama administration.

The rule was on hold under Donald Trump, and USDA is proposing to withdraw it.