Press Release

WASHINGTON (Feb. 23, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announces its endorsement of U.S. Rep. Howard Berman, D-Calif., for California’s newly created 30th Congressional District. While both Berman and Rep. Brad Sherman have outstanding records on animal welfare issues, HSLF gave the nod to Berman because of his exceptional ability to move legislation and work with other leaders in Congress.

“Howard Berman has a legendary ability to move legislation and to win support from his colleagues,” said Wayne Pacelle, executive vice president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “He has a strong commitment to animal welfare, and he knows how to use his seniority and legislative know-how to get results.”

Berman has been a leading champion for animal protection in Congress, and has helped enact a number of new federal policies to stop animal cruelty and abuse. Among his efforts, Berman has:

• Consistently scored 100 or 100+ on the Humane Scorecard.
• Co-sponsored the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012, and provided leadership in reaching out to other members and urging their support and co-sponsorship of the bill to ban barren battery cages nationwide for 280 million egg-laying hens.
• Co-sponsored the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act, which passed in 2010 and bans commerce in videos showing the intentional torture of puppies, kittens and other live animals for the sexual titillation of viewers. (P.L. 111-294)
• Co-sponsored the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, H.R. 2492, to establish misdemeanor penalties for knowingly attending an organized dogfight or cockfight, and felony penalties for taking a minor to such a fight.
• Co-sponsored the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, H.R. 2966, to prohibit the long-distance transport (including export) of horses for slaughter for human consumption in other countries where horse meat is eaten.
• Co-sponsored the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act, H.R. 835, to crack down on abusive puppy mills in the United States, where breeding dogs are often stacked in wire cages for years to produce litter after litter, without exercise, veterinary care, socialization or human companionship.
• Co-sponsored the Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act, H.R. 1513, to phase out the use of chimpanzees in invasive research, retire the approximately 500 federally-owned chimpanzees to sanctuary, and save tens of millions of tax dollars from warehousing chimps in federally-funded laboratories.
• When he previously served in the California State Legislature, he championed legislation to crack down on puppy mills.

Rep. Sherman also has had nearly an unblemished record on animal protection issues, and HSLF is grateful to him for his support. Added Pacelle, “Endorsing Berman over Sherman was a tough decision, but on the issue of influence and leadership, there are few people in Congress like Howard Berman.”

Media contact: Pepper Van Tassell, (240) 751-0232, pvantassell@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.

The Humane Society Legislative Fund is a social welfare organization incorporated under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and formed in 2004 as a separate lobbying affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. The HSLF works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office. Visit us on all our channels: on the web at hslf.org, on our blog at animalsandpolitics.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/humanelegislation and on Twitter at twitter.com/HSLegFund.

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.

WASHINGTON (Feb. 22, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announced its endorsement of Mary Jo Kilroy in the Democratic primary for Ohio’s newly created 3rd Congressional District. Citing her strong and consistent support of animal protection policies, the Humane Society Legislative Fund urges primary voters to support Kilroy.

“Mary Jo Kilroy has been a champion for common-sense animal protection policies during her career in public service, and would continue to stand up for the values of kindness and compassion in Washington,” said Sara Amundson, executive director of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “We encourage voters in the 3rd District who care about the humane treatment of animals to support Mary Jo Kilroy.”

Kilroy has been a strong supporter of animal protection. Among her efforts, she has:

• Co-sponsored the Prevention of Interstate Commerce in Animal Crush Videos Act, which passed in 2010 and bans commerce in videos showing the intentional torture of puppies, kittens and other live animals for the sexual titillation of viewers. (P.L. 111-294)
• Co-sponsored the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act, to crack down on abusive puppy mills in the United States, where breeding dogs are often stacked in wire cages for years to produce litter after litter, without exercise, veterinary care, socialization or human companionship.
• Co-sponsored the Great Ape Protection Act to phase out the use of chimpanzees in invasive research, retire the approximately 500 federally-owned chimpanzees to sanctuary, and save tens of millions of tax dollars from warehousing chimps in federally-funded laboratories.
• Co-sponsored the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act to prohibit the long-distance transport (including export) of horses for slaughter for human consumption in other countries where horse meat is eaten.
• Voted to protect public health and safety as well as the treatment of primates by prohibiting the interstate commerce of primates for the pet trade.
• Co-sponsored the Prevention of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act, to phase out routine, nontherapeutic use of antibiotics in animal feed.
• As Franklin County Commissioner, worked to eliminate the use of gas chambers for euthanasia of pets in shelters, to require the spaying or neutering of all dogs prior to adoption, to support adoption promotions such as establishing a website featuring adoptable dogs and monthly adoption events, and supported building a new animal shelter.
• Supported the pet license plate for Ohio, with proceeds benefiting spay/neuter programs.
• Supported efforts by local residents and family farmers to keep a mega-factory farm, with plans to confine six million laying hens in small battery cages, out of Union County.

Media contacts: Pepper Van Tassell, (240) 751-0232, pvantassell@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.

The Humane Society Legislative Fund is a social welfare organization incorporated under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and formed in 2004 as a separate lobbying affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. The HSLF works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office. Visit us on all our channels: on the web at hslf.org, on our blog at animalsandpolitics.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/humanelegislation and on Twitter at twitter.com/HSLegFund.

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.

WASHINGTON (Feb. 15, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announces its endorsement of U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich for the Democratic primary in Ohio’s newly created 9th Congressional District. Citing his unique leadership and great passion on animal protection issues, the Humane Society Legislative Fund urges primary voters in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District to support Kucinich.

“Dennis Kucinich has been a leading champion for animal protection policies throughout his career in Congress,” said Sara Amundson, executive director of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “He has one of the strongest records for standing up for the values of kindness and compassion and against animal cruelty. He’s a real leader on these issues, and we urge voters in the 9th District who care about the humane treatment of animals to support Dennis Kucinich.”

Kucinich has been a leading champion for animal protection in Congress. Among his efforts, Kucinich has:

• Frequently spoken on the House floor in favor of animal protection legislation.
• Co-sponsored the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act, which passed in 2010 and bans commerce in videos showing the intentional torture of puppies, kittens and other live animals for the sexual titillation of viewers. (P.L. 111-294)
• Co-sponsored the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, H.R. 2492, to establish misdemeanor penalties for knowingly attending an organized dogfight or cockfight, and felony penalties for taking a minor to such a fight.
• Supported efforts in Ohio to crack down on the private ownership of dangerous wild animals as pets.
• Co-sponsored the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, H.R. 2966, to prohibit the long-distance transport (including export) of horses for slaughter for human consumption in other countries where horse meat is eaten.
• Co-sponsored the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act, H.R. 835, to crack down on abusive puppy mills in the United States, where breeding dogs are often stacked in wire cages for years to produce litter after litter, without exercise, veterinary care, socialization or human companionship.
• Co-sponsored the Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act, H.R. 1513, to phase out the use of chimpanzees in invasive research, retire the approximately 500 federally-owned chimpanzees to sanctuary, and save tens of millions of tax dollars from warehousing chimps in federally-funded laboratories.
• As chair of the Domestic Policy Subcommittee in the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Kucinich held hearings  to examine the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s enforcement of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, sparked by The Humane Society of the United States’ investigation into the abuse of downer livestock at slaughter plants in California and Vermont.
• Recently asked the Food and Drug Administration to crack down on tainted pet treats imported from other countries.

HSLF notes that U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur has also been an advocate of the humane treatment of animals, but Kucinich gets the nod for a career-long commitment to animal welfare and active leadership on these issues.

Media contacts: Pepper Van Tassell, (240) 751-0232, pvantassell@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.

The Humane Society Legislative Fund is a social welfare organization incorporated under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and formed in 2004 as a separate lobbying affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. The HSLF works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office. Visit us on all our channels: on the web at hslf.org, on our blog at animalsandpolitics.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/humanelegislation and on Twitter at twitter.com/HSLegFund.

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.

WASHINGTON (Jan. 31, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announced its endorsements of U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich for U.S. Senate in New Mexico, and former Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chávez for New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District.

“Martin Heinrich and Marty Chávez have demonstrated a commitment to commonsense animal protection policies,” said Sara Amundson, executive director of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “We urge voters who care about the humane treatment of animals to vote for Marty Chávez in the 1st District and Martin Heinrich statewide for U.S. Senate.”

Heinrich has supported a number of federal policies to stop animal cruelty and abuse. Among his efforts, he has: 

• Co-sponsored the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act, which passed in 2010 and banned commerce in videos showing the intentional torture of puppies, kittens and other live animals for the sexual titillation of viewers (P.L. 111-294).
• Co-sponsored the Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act, H.R. 1513, to phase out use of chimpanzees in invasive research, retire the approximately 500 federally-owned chimpanzees to sanctuary, and save tens of millions of tax dollars from warehousing chimps in federally-funded laboratories.
• Championed the permanent retirement of 202 chimpanzees at the Alamogordo Primate Facility to a sanctuary, providing for their welfare and saving millions of taxpayer dollars.
• Co-sponsored the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act, H.R. 835, to crack down on abusive “puppy mills” in the United States, where breeding dogs are often stacked in wire cages for years to produce litter after litter, without exercise, veterinary care, socialization or human companionship.
• Co-sponsored the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, H.R. 2492, to establish misdemeanor penalties for knowingly attending an organized dogfight or cockfight, and felony penalties for taking a minor to such a fight.
• Co-sponsored the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, H.R. 2966, to prohibit the long-distance transport (including export) of horses for slaughter for human consumption in other countries where horse meat is eaten.

Mayor Chávez has championed a number of new animal protection policies in Albuquerque and statewide. During his terms as mayor, he: 

• Sponsored Albuquerque’s Scooby’s Law, which mandates that producers of antifreeze include a bittering agent to deter animals and children from ingesting it.  The bill was passed subsequently at the state level in New Mexico.
• Created one of the first programs to cross-train police officers and animal control officers to recognize animal neglect and cruelty as a corollary to domestic violence.
• Strongly supported banning cockfighting in New Mexico, one of the last states to outlaw the staged combat between roosters.
• Led the effort to pass city ordinances to require spaying or neutering and micro-chipping pets, establish free spay/neuter programs for low-income pet guardians and created Lucky Paw, a shelter adoption store.

Media contacts: Pepper Van Tassell, (301) 258-1417, pvantassell@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.

The Humane Society Legislative Fund is a social welfare organization incorporated under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and formed in 2004 as a separate lobbying affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. The HSLF works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office. Visit us on all our channels: on the web at hslf.org, on our blog at animalsandpolitics.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/humanelegislation and on Twitter at twitter.com/HSLegFund.

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.

WASHINGTON (Jan. 31, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announces its endorsement of U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Ohio, for Ohio’s newly created 16th Congressional District. Citing her effective leadership and impact on animal protection policies, the Humane Society Legislative Fund urges voters in Ohio’s 16th Congressional District to support Sutton.

“Betty Sutton has been an effective leader in protecting animals and fighting against cruelty throughout her career in the state legislature and in Congress,” said Michael Markarian, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “She is working to protect pets, wildlife, and farm animals, and standing up for the values of kindness and compassion. We urge voters in the 16th District who care about the humane treatment of animals to support Betty Sutton.”

Sutton has been a leading champion for animal protection in Congress, and has helped enact a number of new federal policies to stop animal cruelty and abuse. Among her efforts, Sutton has:

• Sponsored legislation that was incorporated into the 2008 Farm Bill, strengthening the federal law against dogfighting and cockfighting by increasing the felony-level penalties and banning the possession and training of fighting animals.
• Sponsored the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, H.R. 2492, to establish misdemeanor penalties for knowingly attending an organized dogfight or cockfight, and felony penalties for taking a minor to such a fight.
• Supported efforts in Ohio to crack down on the private ownership of dangerous wild animals as pets.
• Co-sponsored the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act, which passed in 2010 and bans commerce in videos showing the intentional torture of puppies, kittens and other live animals for the sexual titillation of viewers. (P.L. 111-294)
• Co-sponsored the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, H.R. 2966, to prohibit the long-distance transport (including export) of horses for slaughter for human consumption in other countries where horse meat is eaten.
• Co-sponsored the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act, H.R. 835, to crack down on abusive puppy mills in the United States, where breeding dogs are often stacked in wire cages for years to produce litter after litter, without exercise, veterinary care, socialization or human companionship.
• Co-sponsored the Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act, H.R. 1513, to phase out the use of chimpanzees in invasive research, retire the approximately 500 federally-owned chimpanzees to sanctuary, and save tens of millions of tax dollars from warehousing chimps in federally-funded laboratories.
• As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, co-sponsored and helped to pass the Truth in Fur Labeling Act, which was enacted in 2010 and requires labeling of animal fur garments so consumers can make informed decisions in the marketplace. (P.L. 111-313)

Media contacts: Pepper Van Tassell, (301) 258-1417, pvantassell@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.

The Humane Society Legislative Fund is a social welfare organization incorporated under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and formed in 2004 as a separate lobbying affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. The HSLF works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office. Visit us on all our channels: on the web at hslf.org, on our blog at animalsandpolitics.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/humanelegislation and on Twitter at twitter.com/HSLegFund.

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.

WASHINGTON (Jan. 31, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announced its endorsement of U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett  for Maryland’s newly drawn 6th Congressional District. Citing his effective leadership and impact on animal protection policies, the Humane Society Legislative Fund urges voters to support Bartlett.

“Roscoe Bartlett has demonstrated strong leadership on important animal protection policies, such as cracking down on dogfighting and cockfighting, and phasing out the costly and wasteful use of chimpanzees in invasive research,” said Michael Markarian, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “We urge voters in the 6th District who care about the humane treatment of animals to support Roscoe Bartlett.”

Bartlett has been a champion for animal protection in Congress, and has helped to advance new policies to stop animal cruelty and abuse. Among his efforts, Bartlett has:

• Sponsored the Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act, H.R. 1513, to phase out use of chimpanzees in invasive research, retire the approximately 500 federally-owned chimpanzees to sanctuary, and save tens of millions of tax dollars from warehousing chimps in federally-funded laboratories.
• Led the fight to end the use of live monkeys in chemical warfare training by the U.S. Army by replacing those animals with non-animal alternatives.
• Co-sponsored the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, H.R. 2966, to prohibit the long-distance transport (including export) of horses for slaughter for human consumption in other countries where horse meat is eaten.
• Co-sponsored the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act, H.R. 835, to crack down on abusive puppy mills in the United States, where breeding dogs are often stacked in wire cages for years to produce litter after litter, without exercise, veterinary care, socialization or human companionship.
• Sponsored the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, which passed in 2007 and established felony-level penalties for interstate dogfighting and cockfighting activities; and co-sponsored current legislation, the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, H.R. 2492, to further strengthen the law by prohibiting attendance and taking a minor to an animal fight.
• Co-sponsored the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act, which passed in 2010 and bans commerce in videos showing the intentional torture of puppies, kittens and other live animals for the sexual titillation of viewers (P.L. 111-294).
• Co-sponsored the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act, H.R. 198, which passed the House in 2011, to create a pilot program for veterans suffering from post-deployment mental health conditions to train therapy dogs.

Media contacts: Pepper Van Tassell, (301) 258-1417, pvantassell@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.

The Humane Society Legislative Fund is a social welfare organization incorporated under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and formed in 2004 as a separate lobbying affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. The HSLF works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office. Visit us on all our channels: on the web at hslf.org, on our blog at animalsandpolitics.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/humanelegislation and on Twitter at twitter.com/HSLegFund.

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.

Scorecard evaluates elected officials on work for animals for the 2011 state legislative session

AUSTIN (Jan. 20, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund and the Texas Humane Legislation Network is releasing its Texas State Humane Scorecard for the 2011 state legislative session today. The scorecard provides a snapshot of Texas state lawmakers’ records on animal welfare policies. Lawmakers are scored on floor votes on bills addressing such issues as puppy mills, cockfighting, pets in protective orders, aerial gunning of coyotes and feral hogs, and roadside sale of animals.

"The Texas State Humane Scorecard provides an easy way for constituents to assess how their lawmakers acted on animal protection issues, and it helps chart the progress of our public policy work on behalf of animals in the state," said Sara Amundson, executive director of The Humane Society Legislative Fund. "In 2011, Texas lawmakers passed bills to upgrade the state’s anti-cockfighting law and to pass humane breeding standards for dogs and cats. The anti-cruelty laws of a state are a reflection of our basic values and attitudes toward animals, and this collection of bills is a measurable step forward for the state of Texas."

Cile Holloway, president of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, said, “This was a banner year for animals in Texas. It was one of the best sessions for animals ever, demonstrating that this cause is emerging as an important issue for Texas lawmakers.”

The Humane Society Legislative Fund and Texas Humane Legislation  Network tracked nine bills during the session: HB 716, which allows the aerial gunning of feral hogs and coyotes by landowners; HB 963, which ensures that animals seized from persons charged with animal cruelty are not held in shelters for a prolonged period pending appeals for reimbursement; HB 1043, which prohibits a person from attending a cockfight, owning or training a rooster to fight, owning or selling the knives, gaffs or other weapons used in the fight, and allowing one’s property to be used in a fight; HB 1103, which allows a judge to order a person convicted of animal cruelty to attend a responsible pet owner course; HB 1451, which requires licensing and inspection of dog and cat breeders and sets minimum care standards; HB 1768, which allows certain counties to adopt ordinances to regulate the sale of animals (other than farm animals); HB 2471, which limits civil liability of a person who renders aid to an injured or distressed animal from civil action; SB 279, which requires the inclusion of companion animals in protective orders; and SB 1301, which requires manufacturers of antifreeze and engine coolant to add a bittering agent to the product to render it unpalatable to both children and animals.

Seven of the nine bills (HB 716, HB 963, HB 1043, HB 1103, HB 1451, HB 2471, and SB 279) were signed into law in 2011. With the passage of these laws, Texas is now ranked No. 25 out of 51 on The Humane Society of the United States’ “Humane State Ranking” of animal protection laws, a huge jump from last year when it was ranked 36.

Highlights from the 2011 Texas Humane Scorecard include:

• Of the 181 members of the legislature scored, 19 received perfect 100 percent scores--indicating a vote in support of animal protection for all nine scored bills (five senators and 14 representatives).
• Three members received more than 100 percent, reflecting their support of animal protection in all nine bills, as well as primary leadership on at least one of the scored bills. These members are: Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville, Reps. Eddie Lucio III, D-San Benito, and Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin.
• The average score for the representatives was 79 and the average score for the senators was 84.
• No senator scored less than 51 percent and seven representatives scored less than 51 percent.

The Texas State Humane Scorecard is available online at hslf.org/humanescorecard.

Media contacts: Pepper Van Tassell (HSLF), (240) 751-0232, pvantassell@hslf.org

Cile Holloway (THLN), (214) 537-3531, cile@thln.org

##

The Humane Society Legislative Fund is a social welfare organization incorporated under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and formed in 2004 as a separate lobbying affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. The HSLF works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office. Visit us on all our channels: on the web at hslf.org, on our blog at animalsandpolitics.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/humanelegislation and on Twitter at twitter.com/HSLegFund.

WASHINGTON (Jan. 13, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announced its endorsement of U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., for the 13th Congressional District primary in Michigan. Citing his effective leadership and career-long advocacy on animal protection policies, the Humane Society Legislative Fund urges primary voters to support Conyers.

“John Conyers has demonstrated strong leadership on important policies to protect horses, end animal fighting and stamp out videos torturing animals,” said Michael Markarian, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “He has stood up for the values of kindness and compassion and we urge Michigan primary voters to support Conyers.”

Conyers has been a leading champion for animal protection while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, and has helped enact several new federal policies to stop animal cruelty and abuse. During his career in Congress, he has:

• Received the 2008 Humane Representative of the Year.
• Sponsored the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act to prohibit the long-distance transport (including export) of American horses for slaughter for human consumption in other countries where horse meat is considered a delicacy.
• Sponsored the Animal Cruelty Statistics Act to require the collection of statistics on animal cruelty to prioritize law enforcement resources for addressing animal abuse.
• As chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, led the passage of the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act, which passed in 2010 and banned commerce in videos showing the intentional torture of puppies, kittens and other live animals for the sexual titillation of viewers.
• As chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, led the passage of the Animal Fighting Enforcement Prohibition Act, which was signed into law in 2007 and strengthened the penalties for illegal dogfighting and cockfighting, making it a felony to transport animals across state lines for these gruesome and barbaric fights.
• Co-sponsored the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act, H.R. 835, to crack down on abusive “puppy mills” in the United States, where breeding dogs are often stacked in wire cages for years to produce litter after litter, without exercise, veterinary care, socialization or human companionship.
• Co-sponsored the Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act, H.R. 1513, to phase out use of chimpanzees in invasive research, retire the approximately 500 federally-owned chimpanzees to sanctuary, and save tens of millions of tax dollars from warehousing chimps in federally-funded laboratories.
• Co-sponsored the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, H.R. 2492, to establish misdemeanor penalties for knowingly attending an organized dogfight or cockfight, and felony penalties for taking a minor to such a fight.
• Supported a statewide ballot measure in 2006 that restored Michigan’s century-long tradition of protecting mourning doves from target shooting.

Media contacts: Pepper Van Tassell, (240) 751-0232, pvantassell@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.

The Humane Society Legislative Fund is a social welfare organization incorporated under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and formed in 2004 as a separate lobbying affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. The HSLF works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office. Visit us on all our channels: on the web at hslf.org, on our blog at animalsandpolitics.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/humanelegislation and on Twitter at twitter.com/HSLegFund.

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.

WASHINGTON (Jan. 13, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announced its endorsement of Oregon State Senator Suzanne Bonamici, D-Washington County, for the First Congressional District special election in Oregon. Citing her effective leadership and support of animal protection policies, the Humane Society Legislative Fund urges voters to support Bonamici.

“Suzanne Bonamici has demonstrated strong leadership on important bills to protect all animals, including wildlife, companion animals and farm animals,” said Sara Amundson, executive director of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “She has stood up for the values of kindness and compassion and we urge Oregon voters to support Suzanne Bonamici for Congress.”

Senator Bonamici has been a leading champion for animal protection while serving in the Oregon legislature, helping to enact a number of new state laws passed between 2007 and 2011 to stop animal cruelty and abuse. Among her efforts, Bonamici has:

• Led the effort to pass legislation cracking down on abusive “puppy mills” by setting animal welfare standards for dog breeders and providing protections to consumers who purchase puppies directly from breeders.
• Led the effort to protect the will of Oregon voters by preserving the successful ballot initiative banning the cruel practices of bear baiting and trophy hunting of bears and cougars with radio-collared hounds.
• Voted to ban the unregulated private ownership and possession of dangerous wild animals.
• Voted to criminalize horse abandonment.
• Voted to ban the possession, sale or transfer of shark fins, to crack down on the cruel practice of shark finning.
• Voted to ban the cruel and unsporting practice of Internet hunting.
• Voted to strengthen prohibitions on animal fighting.
• Voted to include companion animals in domestic violence protective orders.
• Voted to provide for the care of pets in disasters.
• Voted to provide cross-reporting of animal abuse among emergency and law enforcement agencies.
• Voted to phase out the use of cruel gestation crates and provide more space for breeding sows in industrial factory farms.

Media contacts: Pepper Van Tassell, (301) 258-1417, pvantassell@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.

The Humane Society Legislative Fund is a social welfare organization incorporated under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and formed in 2004 as a separate lobbying affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. The HSLF works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office. Visit us on all our channels: on the web at hslf.org, on our blog at animalsandpolitics.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/humanelegislation and on Twitter at twitter.com/HSLegFund.

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.

WASHINGTON (Jan. 9, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announced its endorsement of Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, in the Democratic primary for California’s newly created Second Congressional District. Citing his leadership and support of animal protection policies in the California legislature, the Humane Society Legislative Fund urges primary voters to support Huffman for the open congressional seat.

“Jared Huffman has been an active champion for sensible animal welfare policies in California, and has been leading many of the critical fights to protect pets, wildlife, and farm animals,” said Sara Amundson, executive director of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “We urge California primary voters who care about humane issues to support Jared Huffman for Congress.”

Huffman has been a champion and strong supporter for animal protection in the California State Assembly. During his terms, he:

• Co-authored legislation signed into law in 2011, which bans the cruel trade in shark fins. Finning is an abhorrent practice that involves slicing off the fins of a shark and discarding the animal at sea to drown or bleed to death, and has led to declines by as much as 90 percent in some shark populations during recent decades.
• Authored legislation signed into law in 2010, working with animal welfare groups and the California egg industry, requiring that all eggs sold in California comply with modest animal welfare and food safety standards consistent with Prop 2, a ballot measure overwhelmingly approved by statewide voters.
• Authored legislation to increase penalties for poaching California’s wildlife.
• Authored legislation to address animal welfare concerns associated with genetically modified organisms.
• Voted to require microchipping dogs and cats when adopted from or reclaimed by animal control.
• Voted to increase penalties for roadside sales of animals in parking lots, carnivals or on streets and highways.
• Voted to increase penalties for attending a dogfight.
• Voted to prohibit the painful and unnecessary practice of cutting the tails off cows.
• Voted to allow property forfeiture of anyone found guilty of violating dogfighting laws with proceeds going to animal and law enforcement agencies.
• Voted to allow the City of San Diego to designate Casa Beach as a marine mammal sanctuary to protect seals and their habitat.
• Scored consistently high on the HSLF Humane Scorecard for the California legislature.

Media contacts: Pepper Van Tassell, (240) 751-0232, pvantassell@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.

The Humane Society Legislative Fund is a social welfare organization incorporated under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and formed in 2004 as a separate lobbying affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. The HSLF works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office. Visit us on all our channels: on the web at hslf.org, on our blog at animalsandpolitics.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/humanelegislation and on Twitter at twitter.com/HSLegFund.

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.