H.R. 1684 — PAST Act of 2025

This section amends the Horse Protection Act (15 U.S.C. 1821 et seq.), which prohibits the entry of sore horses (i.e., horses subjected to painful limb practices to induce artificial gait) in horse shows, exhibitions, or sales or auctions, to strengthen enforcement as follows: **(a) Definitions.** Redesignates existing definitional paragraphs; adds a definition of "action device" as any boot, collar, chain, roller, or similar device placed on a horse's lower leg that can rotate, slide to cause friction, or strike the hoof, coronet band, fetlock joint, or pastern (excluding soft rubber or leather bell or quarter boots used protectively); and adds a definition of "participate" as engaging in specified activities related to such events (e.g., transporting horses, instructing exhibitors, or being present in restricted areas), excluding spectating. **(b) Findings.** Expands existing findings on the effects of soring and adds new findings that (6) the Department of Agriculture's horse inspection program is inadequate, (7) Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses, and Spotted Saddle Horses have historically been sored, and (8) violations persist in those breeds despite regulations. **(c) Horse shows and exhibitions.** (1) Replaces references to "appointed" inspectors with "licensed"; (2) requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a licensing, training, assignment, and oversight program for qualified inspectors (with conflict-of-interest prohibitions, preference for licensed veterinarians, and revocation authority), who must issue citations for violations and notify the Secretary within five days; (3) requires event management to notify the Secretary at least 30 days in advance to secure assigned licensed inspectors; and (4) establishes graduated disqualifications for sore horses of 180 days (first violation), one year (second), and three years (third). Directs the Secretary to publish violation information on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website for use by event management.