Whitfield Ethics Probe to Continue

The Office of Congressional Ethics will continue investigating if Rep. Ed Whitfield’s wife unfairly influenced the congressman about Tennessee Walking Horse-focused legislation.
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The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) board has voted to continue the probe into the behavior of U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (R-Kentucky), the principal sponsor of legislation that would amend federal law pertaining to Tennessee Walking Horse training and exhibition.

The Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act would amend the Horse Protection Act of 1970, which forbids soring. The PAST Act would forbid trainers from using action devices, including metal chains and performance packages, and would increase federal penalties for anyone who sores a horse. The legislation, which would also require the USDA to assign a licensed inspector if a Tennessee Walking Horse show management indicates its intent to hire one, remains pending.

In July the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ethics said an ethics complaint had been lodged with the committee against Whitfield in June. The complaint alleges that Whitfield's wife, Constance Harriman Whitfield, a consultant for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), unfairly influenced the congressman about the legislation.

In a statement Ed Whitfield denied any wrongdoing. However, he alleged in the statement that the complaint was filed by 13 PAST Act opponents, including Mike Inman, CEO of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. Inman subsequently said Ed Whitfield's claim concerning the formal complaint filing is untrue

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Written by:

Pat Raia is a veteran journalist who enjoys covering equine welfare, industry, and news. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her Tennessee Walking Horse, Sonny.

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