H.R.1266 /S.545
Combating Illicit Xylazine Act
AAEP Position – Supports Passage
Championed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, this legislation would make xylazine a Schedule III controlled substance. While scheduling of xylazine is not our ideal choice, this would ensure access to xylazine for veterinarians is preserved.
H.R.5544
Ejiao Act
AAEP Position – Supports Passage
This legislation would prohibit the transportation, sale, and purchase of donkeys or donkey hides for the purpose of producing ejiao and prohibit the sale of ejiao products. AAEP supports this bill because donkeys are stolen and abandoned as part of the ejiao trade, and slaughter practices in many countries fall short of humane standards.
H.R. 1684
Prevent All Soring Tactics Act of 2025 (PAST Act)
AAEP Position – Supports Passage
This legislation would amend the Horse Protection Act (HPA) to designate additional unlawful acts, strengthen penalties for violations, and improve US Department of Agriculture enforcement. AAEP is a longtime supporter of the HPA, which prohibits the soring of horses and their participation in horse shows, exhibitions, sales, or auctions.
H.R. 1675
Protecting Horses from Soring Act of 2025
AAEP Position – Non-Support
This bill would establish requirements to prevent the practice of soring horses at horse events with inspections overseen by a board that is appointed by the walking horse industry. AAEP supports provisions of the Horse Protection Act and oversight by the US Department of Agriculture, not oversight by those within the industry.
H.R.1661/S.775
Save America’s Forgotten Equines Act of 2025 (SAFE Act)
AAEP Position – Non-Support
This legislation would prohibit the export of horses for processing for human consumption. AAEP opposes this legislation because it could have significant unintended consequences for thousands of unwanted and at-risk horses by eliminating an existing end-of-life option without addressing the underlying causes of neglect, abandonment, and inadequate care. AAEP believes that no horse should suffer unnecessarily and supports humane euthanasia in accordance with AVMA Guidelines, as well as the humane transportation of horses in compliance with federal law.
H.R.3623
Horse Transportation Safety Act
AAEP Position – Non-Support
This legislation would prohibit a person from transporting a horse in interstate commerce in a motor vehicle that contains two or more levels stacked on top of one another. AAEP is concerned with the lack of science regarding the impact on the welfare of horses riding in double-deck trailers, especially well-adapted rodeo horses that are being transported in modified trailers. We oppose the legislation unless there’s an amendment to allow transportation of rodeo horses in specially-designed double-deck trailers.
H.R.3378/S.1770
Racehorse Health and Safety Act of 2025
AAEP Position – Monitor
Being offered by opponents of, and as an alternative to, HISA, the stated purpose of this bill is to protect the health and welfare of covered horses and improve the integrity and safety of horseracing by authorizing states to enter into an interstate compact. This compact would develop and enforce scientific medication control rules and racetrack safety rules that are uniform for each equine breed. AAEP was supportive of HISA’s creation so we are monitoring the court cases involving HISA and whether a new framework would be needed.
