The character of a society is often revealed in how it treats its most vulnerable. I’ve learned that for over fifty years, Tennessee Walking Horses have been enduring unthinkable cruelty despite the Horse Protection Act (HPA) having been passed in 1970 to protect them. Soring, the heinous act of inducing pain in the animals’ legs to create a high-stepping gait for show rings, is not just about unfair competition but reflects a systemic, deep-seated cruelty prevalent in a portion of the walking horse industry.
This practice isn't just a mark of shame on the industry but a glaring indictment of our societal values, reflective of a predatory capitalist mindset. Here, the exploitation isn't towards vulnerable communities or the environment but extends to these defenseless animals, all for a moment of ill-gotten glory and financial gain.
Is economic value truly value if it's generated from exploitation and concealed cruelty? Are we, as a society, willing to stand against this type of predation and advocate for practices rooted in compassion over cruelty? How much longer can we allow the pursuit of power and profit to blind us to our ethical responsibility to the defenseless?
These are not just questions of animal rights but of political promises and ethical resolve. In 2017, in the closing days of President Obama’s administration, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack made a commendable attempt to amend USDA regulations to end the vile practice of soring. Those efforts were dismantled when the incoming Trump Administration put a freeze on the 2017 rule, then sat on it for four years. Now, with Secretary Vilsack back at the helm under President Biden, over two and a half years into his administration USDA has proposed a new rule offering the chance to rectify past delays. But the pace of progress remains alarmingly slow yet again. Why?
The reforms contained in this rule are not a new, “woke” approach or a mere appeasement to contemporary sentiments, but a long overdue reflection of fundamental American values of compassion toward animals – values that prompted the passage of the HPA over 50 years ago. So, how do we reconcile? The answer is clear: Ensure that the intent of the HPA is finally, fully realized in its regulations. No half measures. No bureaucratic sidesteps.
President Biden has already demonstrated a capacity to rebuild and repair. So, why the hesitation here? Why the seeming indecision when it comes to strengthening enforcement of this vital piece of animal protection law?
Now is the time for the Biden Administration to step up. This should not be an action that drags on to the end of this term, risking the same outcome for this rule as the 2017 rule. This issue needs decisive action, and it needs it now.
Before I conclude, a coda of sorts: Human beings rank much higher on my list than animals—it’s evident in my life’s work. And human beings are on the receiving end of so much cruelty--at the border, in our inner cities, with police officers gone amok, and more. But one kind of cruelty enables other cruelties and the wanton power that allows some people to oppress human beings for their profit (consider mass incarceration), also allows these same people to mutilate animals to maximize their profit and their enjoyment. It is despicable and it has to stop.
So this is an opportunity to claim a permanent place in history, championing the protection of these noble animals who've waited so long for a reprieve – a chance to carve out a legacy, not of prolonged rumination, but of swift, compassionate action. Will this administration rise to the occasion or let another golden opportunity slip through its fingers?
The world is watching, and more importantly, thousands of horses are waiting. The onus is on President Biden and Secretary Vilsack to bring about an end to their suffering.
There’s currently a public comment period on the proposed rule, open until October 20th. I’ll be weighing in to tell USDA to stop allowing horses to be victimized by scofflaws, and swiftly finalize and implement a strong new rule. I encourage like-minded folks to do the same here.
As I often mention, "Justice delayed is justice denied." In this case, protection delayed is protection denied. Let's not deny these animals the protection they need and deserve any longer.
Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author and educator based in Washington DC. She is President Emerita of Bennett College and served as the Inaugural Dean at the Cal State Los Angeles College of Ethnic Studies
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