On Wednesday, I traveled to Hartford and presented two Humane State Legislator Awards to Reps. Dick Roy (D-119) and Diana Urban (D-43) at the Connecticut state capitol. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is that I’m able to meet people who use their remarkable talents to help animals, and these two lawmakers are true champions for the cause. The Humane State Legislator Award recognizes those who have initiated ground-breaking animal protection legislation and demonstrably advanced reform in the policy-making arena.
Rep. Roy is Co-Chair of the Environment Committee, which is where most animal-related bills are assigned in Connecticut. He’s a longtime friend of animals, and he’s a hiker who has been one of the leading opponents of Sunday hunting in the state. Hunting on Sundays has been prohibited in Connecticut since colonial days, and it’s the one day a week when hikers and other outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy the woods safely during hunting season. Rep. Roy also introduced two important bills in his committee last year: one to prevent the twisted practice of shooting live animals remotely over the Internet with the click of a computer mouse, and the other to ban the cruel confinement of egg-laying hens in tiny battery cages on industrial factory farms.
“It is said that a society’s worth is measured by how they treat their most vulnerable,” said Rep. Roy. “I have always believed this to be true so I am honored to receive this award from an organization that I admire and respect and that shares my commitment to animal protection.”
Rep. Urban is also a pioneer in the animal protection movement, and last year she successfully worked to pass a bill making Connecticut the fourth state allowing courts to include pets in protective orders in cases of domestic violence. Vulnerable people often stay in abusive households because they fear a pet would be harmed or killed by their abuser, and the new law will help keep people and animals safe. Rep. Urban also introduced bills last year to stop the force-feeding of ducks and geese to fatten their livers for foie gras, and to stop the abuse of captive elephants in circuses. She had previously led efforts to stop horse slaughter, promote humane education, and examine the link between animal cruelty and human violence.
“It is an honor to receive this award from The Humane Society of the United States on behalf of my work to protect and promote the welfare of animals,” said Rep. Urban. “I also want to give credit to the incredibly dedicated advocates who work with me and The Humane Society of the United States.”
State legislatures passed more animal protection laws in 2007 than any other year in history. It’s because we have skilled leaders like Reps. Roy and Urban who are fighting for humane and merciful public policies. I was honored to visit with them both this week and to celebrate their work and their achievements for animals.
