WASHINGTON (September 12, 2024) – Today, the Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading animal protection organization, announced its endorsement of U.S. Representative Jim McGovern for re-election to Massachusetts’ 2nd Congressional District.
“Jim McGovern is a stalwart champion for animal protection, and for states’ rights to legislate on their behalf through his opposition to the odious EATS Act or anything like it,” said Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “He recognizes the special place our companion animals hold for Americans. We urge Massachusetts voters to re-elect this humane champion.”
In the 118th Congress, Rep. McGovern has earned a perfect score of 100+ on HSLF’s 2023 Humane Scorecard. He is a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, which works to promote animal protection initiatives to other members of Congress.
Rep. McGovern sponsored the Puppy Protection Act (H.R. 1624), to address serious gaps in welfare standards for tens of thousands of breeding dogs and puppies at large-scale breeding operations licensed by the USDA. Current regulations still allow overcrowded, inhumane conditions at puppy mills, which often result in sick puppies being sold to consumers. Rep. McGovern has also opposed the inclusion of the dangerous and overreaching “Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression” (EATS) Act (H.R. 4417 and S. 2019), or anything like it, in the next Farm Bill by signing onto a letter sent to the House Agriculture Committee leadership.
Additional pro-animal actions taken by Rep. McGovern in the 118th Congress include:
- Cosponsored the Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) for Animals Act (H.R. 5041) to give the U.S. Department of Justice the tools it needs to strengthen enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and help deter perpetual violators.
- Cosponsored the Humane Cosmetics Act (H.R. 5399) to phase out testing of cosmetics on live animals and sales of animal-tested cosmetics in the U.S.
- Cosponsored the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act (H.R. 3475) to prohibit the reopening of horse slaughter plants in the U.S. and the export of American horses to slaughter for human consumption.
- Cosponsored the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act (H.R. 3090) to crack down on “soring,” in which trainers deliberately inflict severe pain on the hooves and legs of Tennessee walking horses.
- Cosponsored Goldie’s Act (H.R. 1788), the Horse Transportation Safety Act (H.R. 4241), and the Providing for Unhoused People with Pets (PUPP) Act (H.R. 3957).
Media Contact:
Emily Ehrhorn | eehrhorn@hslf.org
HSLF is a nonpartisan organization that evaluates candidates based only on a single criterion: where they stand on animal welfare. HSLF does not judge candidates based on party affiliation or any other issue.
Paid for by Humane Society Legislative Fund and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. HSLF, 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 455, Washington, DC 20037.
