What does the Horse Protection Act of 1970 aim to prevent?

The Horse Protection Act of 1970 was enacted primarily to prevent soring, which refers to a practice that involves the deliberate injury to a horse's legs or hooves in order to enhance its gait and achieve a more dramatic motion, commonly seen in certain competitive horse events. This practice is considered inhumane and cruel, as it causes the animal pain and suffering. The act prohibits such practices by establishing standards for the humane treatment of horses and mandates the inspection of horses at shows, exhibitions, and sales to ensure compliance with these standards.

While the other options touch on important aspects of horse welfare and management, they do not directly relate to the primary focus of the Horse Protection Act. The use of whips during competition, unregulated breeding practices, and transporting horses without permits fall under different regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations regarding animal welfare, but they are not specifically addressed by this act, which is primarily concerned with eliminating the cruelty associated with soring.