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Letter: Rep. John Curtis steps up to protect horses

(Rick Bowmer | Associated Press file photo) Provo Mayor John Curtis speaks during town hall meeting, in Lehi, Utah in 2017. In a rematch of the 2017 special election to replace Rep. Jason Chaffetz, former Provo mayor Curtis looks to earn his first full term in Congress by fending off businessman Chris Herrod who said he's running to give voters a conservative, pro-Trump choice.

I write to thank U.S. Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, for his terrific work against the torturous practice of soring Tennessee Walking Horses, a plague that has marred the breed, and the equine world for more than 60 years.

Soring is the intentional infliction of pain to horses’ front limbs by applying caustic chemicals such as mustard oil, kerosene or diesel fuel, or inserting sharp objects into their hooves to achieve an artificial high-stepping gait known as the “big lick” that runs rampant throughout the Southeastern U.S.

As a former eight-time World Champion rider and past president of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association, I know first-hand how rampant this abuse is. Curtis has stepped up and done the right thing on this issue, and I applaud him.

We appreciate Curtis’ bipartisan effort in cosponsoring the U.S. Senator Joseph D. Tydings Memorial Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, H.R. 683, introduced by Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., and Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., and named in honor of Sen. Tydings, D-Md., who authored the Horse Protection Act of 1970 and recently passed away. The good people of the 3rd District should be proud of Curtis’ work to help our iconic American horses.

Marty Irby, executive director of Animal Wellness Action, Washington, D.C.

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