By Sadie Fowler
fowler@horseworld.net

Last month, U.S. Representative Scott DesJarlais sent a letter to the Chairman of the House Rules Committee in response to the reintroduction of the PAST Act. 

The letter also outlines the highpoints of his bill, the Horse Protection Amendments Act, which “builds upon the Horse Protection Act by putting in place common-sense reforms within the inspection process by requiring science-based, objective inspections in order to ensure ful compliance with the HPA.”

Conversely, DesJarlais said those in support of the PAST Act are misinformed about the gravity of the issues. 
“It is my understanding that supporters of the legislation are referring to it, and the topic of horse inspection, as ‘non-controversial,’” he writes. “I wish to convey to you that this statement is inaccurate. Horse inspection has proven to be a controversial topic.”

A link to the full text of his letter can be seen here. 

Industry leaders praised DesJarlais for his support.

“This letter is a testament to Congressman DesJarlais’ hard work and continued support of the walking horse industry,” said Mike Inman, CEO of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. “I urge you to share with your Congressman and Senators. As Scott points out the HSUS is counting on those of Congress outside of Tennessee and Kentucky to buy into this issue being non-controversial simply because the issue may not be nearly as important in their home states.”