WASHINGTON (July 2, 2018)—Today the Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announced its endorsement of Rep. Carlos Curbelo for Florida’s 26th Congressional District.

As a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, Rep. Curbelo has demonstrated a commitment to supporting federal legislation to provide commonsense animal protection reforms.

“Carlos Curbelo is a consistent supporter of animal protection legislation in the 115th Congress," said Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. "Voters in Florida’s 26th congressional district who care about building a more humane society should support his re-election.”

Among his efforts in the 115th Congress, Rep. Curbelo:

• Cosponsored the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act (H.R. 909) to protect the human and animal survivors of domestic violence and support the work of domestic violence shelters to accommodate pets.
• Cosponsored the Prevent Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act (H.R. 1494) to make malicious animal cruelty a crime on federal property and in interstate commerce, and complement the state anti-cruelty laws.
• Cosponsored the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act (H.R. 113) to prohibit the slaughter and export of horses for human consumption overseas.
• Cosponsored the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act (H.R. 1456) to prohibit the trade of shark fins, for which sharks are hunted and their maimed bodies returned to the ocean.
• Cosponsored the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2017 (H.R. 1406) to prohibit the domestic slaughter, trade and import of dogs and cats for human consumption.
• Cosponsored the Humane Cosmetics Act (H.R. 2790), to phase out the testing of cosmetics on live animals and the sale of newly animal-tested cosmetics.
• Cosponsored the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act (H.R. 1847) to strengthen the federal law against the “soring” of Tennessee Walking horses in shows—using caustic chemicals and other painful substances to injure the horses’ hooves and legs to induce a high-stepping gait.

Media Contact: press@hslf.org

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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 (July 2, 2018)—Today the Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announced its endorsement of Rep. Tom Marino for Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District.

Rep. Marino has led efforts in the 115th Congress to end the cruel practice of soring, in which unscrupulous trainers deliberately inflict pain on horses to create an exaggerated gait and gain an unfair competitive advantage at shows. He is a lead cosponsor of the Prevent All Soring Tactics Act to amend the industry's failed system of self-policing, ban the use of soring devices, and strengthen penalties. During recent House consideration of the Farm Bill, he proposed a similar amendment to crack down on soring.

"Tom Marino is a proven leader of commonsense measures to protect horses, dogs and other defenseless animals from heinous abuse," said Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. "We urge animal-loving Pennsylvanians in the 12th district to re-elect him in November."

Among his efforts in the 115th Congress, Rep. Marino:

• Voted for an amendment (H.Amdmt. 630) to the Farm Bill to clarify that federal prohibitions against dogfighting and cockfighting activity that affects interstate or foreign commerce apply to all U.S. jurisdictions, including the U.S. territories.
• Cosponsored the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act (H.R. 909) to protect the human and animal survivors of domestic violence and support the work of domestic violence shelters to accommodate pets.
• Cosponsored the Prevent Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act (H.R. 1494) to make malicious animal cruelty a crime on federal property and in interstate commerce, and complement the state anti-cruelty laws.
• Cosponsored the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2017 (H.R. 1406) to prohibit the domestic slaughter, trade and import of dogs and cats for human consumption.

Media Contact: press@hslf.org

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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 (July 2, 2018)—Today the Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announced its endorsement of Rep. Chris Smith for New Jersey’s 4th Congressional District.

Rep. Smith has led efforts to ensure adequate funding for the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act to crack down on puppy mills, horse soring, roadside zoos and other abuses of animals, earning the 2017 Humane Legislator of the Year Award from HSLF.

“Chris Smith is an outstanding representative of New Jersey’s humane values,” said Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “We urge voters in the 4th Congressional District to return a truly compassionate leader to the U.S. Congress.”

Among his efforts in the 115th Congress, Rep. Smith has:

• Voted for an amendment (H.Amdmt. 630) to the Farm Bill to clarify that federal prohibitions against dogfighting and cockfighting activity that affects interstate or foreign commerce apply to all U.S. jurisdictions, including the U.S. territories.
• Voted against H.J. Res. 69, a Congressional Review Act resolution to revoke a Fish and Wildlife Services rule that prohibits specific egregiously cruel and unsporting hunting methods on more than 76 million acres of National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska.
• Voted against a harmful rider (H.Amdt. 351) that sought to block regulations that prohibit scientifically unjustified and cruel methods of trophy hunting on over 20 million acres of NPS lands in Alaska, including killing hibernating black bear mothers and cubs and shooting caribou while they are swimming and defenseless.
• Cosponsored the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act (H.R. 909) to protect the human and animal survivors of domestic violence and support the work of domestic violence shelters to accommodate pets.
• Cosponsored the Prevent Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act (H.R. 1494) to make malicious animal cruelty a crime on federal property and in interstate commerce, and complement the state anti-cruelty laws.
• Cosponsored the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act (H.R. 113) to prohibit the slaughter and export of horses for human consumption overseas.
• Cosponsored the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2017 (H.R. 1406) to prohibit the domestic slaughter, trade and import of dogs and cats for human consumption.
• Cosponsored the Humane Cosmetics Act (H.R. 2790), to phase out the testing of cosmetics on live animals and the sale of newly animal-tested cosmetics.
• Cosponsored the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act (H.R. 1847) to strengthen the federal law against the “soring” of Tennessee Walking horses in shows—using caustic chemicals and other painful substances to injure the horses’ hooves and legs to induce a high-stepping gait.

Media Contact: press@hslf.org

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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, DC (June 8, 2018)—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5895, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act; 2018 that included an amendment to increase funding for the Veterans Affairs’ Adaptive Sports Grant Program for equine-assisted therapy. The amendment, introduced by U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) increases funding by $5 million for fiscal year 2019.

The funding will enable an expansion of services that use equine-assisted therapy in conjunction with mental health care treatment and services to veterans.

“We applaud Congressman Barr for his continued commitment to securing resources that will help our heroic American veterans and equines,” said Marty Irby, senior adviser at the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund. “We are grateful to see this convergence of good news and good programs to benefit both veterans and horses.”

Media Contact: Kirsten Peek: kpeek@hslf.org; 301.548.7793

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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.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, rated the most effective by its peers. Since 1954, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. We rescue and care for tens of thousands of animals each year, but our primary mission is to prevent cruelty before it occurs. We're there for all animals, across America and around the world. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- on the Web at humanesociety.org. Subscribe to the blog, A Humane Nation. Join The HSUS on Facebook. Follow The HSUS on Twitter. See our work for animals on your Apple or Android device by searching for our “Humane TV” app.

WASHINGTON (June 1, 2018)—Today the Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announced its endorsement of Jared Polis in the primary for governor of Colorado.

Currently, Rep. Polis is a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, a bipartisan organization committed to raising awareness of animal welfare issues in Congress. In 2017, he received a perfect score of “100+” on HSLF’s 2017 Humane Scorecard, having supported the full range of priority animal legislation that HSLF scored in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Jared Polis consistently champions the federal animal protection legislative agenda in Congress and residents of his district should be proud of his record of humane leadership,” said Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “The Humane Society Legislative Fund is pleased to support Jared Polis, and voters who care about the humane treatment of animals should back his election to become the next governor of Colorado.”

Among his efforts in the 115th Congress, Rep. Polis:

• Cosponsored the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act (H.R. 1847) to strengthen the federal law against the “soring” of Tennessee Walking horses in shows—using caustic chemicals and other painful substances to injure the horses’ hooves and legs to induce a high-stepping gait.
• Cosponsored the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act (H.R. 909) to protect the human and animal victims of domestic violence and support the work of battered women’s shelters to accommodate pets.
• Cosponsored the Prevent Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act (H.R. 1494) to make malicious animal cruelty a crime on federal property and in interstate commerce, and complement the state anti-cruelty laws.
• Cosponsored the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act (H.R. 113) to prohibit the slaughter and export of horses for human consumption overseas.
• Cosponsored the Shark Fin Sales/Trade Elimination Act (H.R. 1456) to prohibit the trade of shark fins.
• Cosponsored the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2017 (H.R. 1406) to prohibit the domestic slaughter, trade and import of dogs and cats for human consumption.
• Cosponsored the Humane Cosmetics Act (H.R. 2790), to phase out the testing of cosmetics on live animals and the sale of newly animal-tested cosmetics.
• Voted against the Midnight Rules Relief Act (H.R. 21) which would allow Congress to overturn regulations en masse in the last year of a president’s term, endangering popular and broadly supported animal welfare regulations.
• Voted against H.J. Res. 69, a Congressional Review Act resolution to revoke a Fish and Wildlife Services rule that prohibits specific egregiously cruel and unsporting hunting methods on more than 76 million acres of National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska.
• Voted against a harmful rider (H.Amdt. 351) that sought to block regulations that prohibit scientifically unjustified and cruel methods of trophy hunting on over 20 million acres of NPS lands in Alaska, including killing hibernating black bear mothers and cubs and shooting caribou while they are swimming and defenseless.

Media Contact:202-676-2325, press@hslf.org

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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.

(May 24, 2018)—The United States Senate Appropriations Committee passed the FY19 Agriculture Appropriations bill with a provision to maintain the ban on the slaughter of horses and burros for human consumption on U.S. soil. The provision bars spending by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to inspect horse slaughterhouses, saving millions of taxpayer dollars, and effectively banning horse slaughter in the United States.

Similar language was included in the FY18 omnibus spending bill and has been maintained in most spending bills since 2005. The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund, along with many other horse rescues and industry groups across the nation, strongly support this effort.

Holly Gann, federal legislative specialist at the Humane Society of the United States, said:

"Horse slaughter is fundamentally un-American and has no place in the U.S. This predatory industry enables theft and criminal abuse of horses at the cost of our hard earned tax dollars. We commend the Senate Appropriations Committee for adopting this legislation, sending a strong message that horse slaughter will never be accepted in this country. We applaud their leadership in taking a stand that reflects the will of 80 percent of the American public."

The House version of the agriculture appropriations bill includes funding for horse slaughter inspections.

We urge Congress to continue the ban on slaughtering horses in the U.S. and pass the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act, H.R. 113/S.1706, which would permanently bring an end to this cruel and predatory industry, including exports of U.S. horses for slaughter in other countries.

Media contact: Shayna McClelland: 301-258-1534; smcclelland@humanesociety.org

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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.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, rated the most effective by its peers. Since 1954, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. We rescue and care for tens of thousands of animals each year, but our primary mission is to prevent cruelty before it occurs. We're there for all animals, across America and around the world. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- on the Web at humanesociety.org. Subscribe to the blog, A Humane Nation. Join The HSUS on Facebook. Follow The HSUS on Twitter. See our work for animals on your Apple or Android device by searching for our “Humane TV” app.

WASHINGTON (May 04, 2018)—Today the Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, condemned the alleged neglect of animals at a testing facility once owned by candidate for governor Shri Thanedar.

Michiganders have a long history of widespread support for animal protection and have repeatedly gone to the ballot box and their legislature to protect wolves, doves, and puppies.

"Michigan voters have shown time and time again that animal welfare is a key issue when casting their ballots for issues or candidates," said Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. "Monkeys and dogs were not provided basic humane care in this case of alleged neglect. We applaud the animal rescue organizations that stepped in to give these animals a second chance.”

Thanedar reportedly continued this neglect by fighting efforts to place the dogs and monkeys into sanctuaries. Using the care and custody of animals to "make a point" in a legal proceeding is inhumane and unjust.

Media contact: Press@HSLF.org

BACKGROUND

"The animals' caretakers had reportedly climbed fences to provide food and water until more solid arrangements were made."—USA Today: Pet Talk: Rescuing 118 test-lab beagles is a labor of dog love

"About 170 dogs and monkeys were rescued in 2010 from an abandoned pharmaceutical testing lab owned by Shri Thanedar, a Michigan Democratic gubernatorial candidate currently leading in the polls."—Huffpost: Over 100 Dogs And Monkeys Were Rescued From Michigan Democrat’s Shuttered Company

"A top Democratic contender in the Michigan governor's race fought to sell off more than 100 animals at a shuttered pharmaceutical testing facility he owned, court records show, contradicting his account of events that culminated in the neglected animals' rescue."—Huffpost: Michigan Gov. Candidate Delayed Rescue Of Animals He Claims He Tried To Save

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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 with regulated funds 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 (May 01, 2018) —Today the Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announced its endorsement of Peter Courtney in the Democratic Party primary for Oregon’s 11th Senate District.

"As Senate President, Peter Courtney has been a critical ally in bringing pro-animal bills for a vote," said Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. "The Humane Society Legislative Fund is pleased to support Senator Peter Courtney, and voters in the 11th District who care about the humane treatment of animals should back his re-election."

Among his efforts in the Oregon Senate, Sen. Courtney voted for:

2017

• H.B. 2625, allowing authorities to seek ownership of all animals seized in animal crime cases.
• H.B. 2732, allowing private citizen to break into a vehicle to rescue a child or domestic animal.
• H.B. 2883, increasing penalties for guides and outfitters who violate wildlife laws.
• H.B. 3177, allowing the seizure of chicks and hens (along with roosters) to enforce the cockfighting ban.
• H.B. 3283, increasing penalties for animal neglect and strengthening protection for pet parrots.

2016

• H.B. 4046, increasing penalties for poaching.

2015

• H.B. 2693, increasing penalties for sexual abuse of an animal and making it a crime to possess visual depictions of sexual abuse of an animal.
• H.B. 2694, allowing state social workers to report to law enforcement animal abuse and neglect they see on the job and providing limited immunity from civil liability for such reports.
• H.B. 2888, adding to a list of statutory nuisances a property where animal abuse or neglect is occurring and allowing private citizens to sue to abate the nuisance.
• S.B. 4, expanding the definition of “animal rescue entity,” subject to licensing and inspection, to include entities with animals housed in different locations.
• S.B. 175, continuing increased penalties for certain egregious wildlife crimes, including poaching to sell animal parts.
• S.B. 614, authorizing law enforcement to enter a vehicle and take custody of an animal to prevent abuse or neglect.
• S.B.913, would have prohibited trade within Oregon of ivory, rhino horns and certain other animal parts to help reduce poaching in other countries.

Laws like these have helped to make Oregon a standout among other states in the nation on animal welfare laws.

Media contact: Press@HSLF.org

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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 (May 01, 2018)—Today the Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announced its endorsement of Joe Neguse for Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District.

As the head of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Neguse ensured the Department supported legislation at the state level to positively benefit the welfare of animals.

"Joe Neguse has pledged to be a committed supporter of common sense animal protection measures," said Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. "The Humane Society Legislative Fund is pleased to support his candidacy and looks forward to working with him to pass important animal welfare legislation."

Neguse has pledged to support important federal animal welfare issues, including:

• Supporting the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act to make malicious animal cruelty a crime on federal property and in interstate commerce, and complement the state anti-cruelty laws.
• Supporting the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act to prohibit the domestic slaughter, trade and import of dogs and cats for human consumption.
• Supporting the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act to protect the human and animal victims of domestic violence and support the work of domestic violence shelters to accommodate pets.
• Supporting the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) Act to make grants to eligible nonprofit organizations that provide trained service dogs to veterans with severe post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Supporting the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act to strengthen the federal law against the “soring” of Tennessee Walking horses in shows—using caustic chemicals and other painful substances to injure the horses’ hooves and legs to induce a high-stepping gait.
• Supporting the Humane Cosmetics Act to phase out the testing of cosmetics on live animals and the sale of newly animal-tested cosmetics.

Media contact: Press@HSLF.org

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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, DC (April 16, 2018)—The Humane Society Legislative Fund announces Sara Amundson as its new president, after she served 12 years as HSLF’s executive director and then as HSLF senior vice president. She has worked to build the organization’s legislative and regulatory strategy, and strengthened its commitment to the support of humane candidates for office at the state and federal levels.

Amundson succeeds Michael Markarian, the Chief Operating Officer of The Humane Society of the United States, who served as HSLF president for 13 years and now serves in the role of HSLF executive vice president.

"Sara Amundson has been a powerful force within HSLF and within the broader animal protection movement," states David O. Wiebers, M.D., chairperson of the HSLF board. "We are thrilled to have her as president of HSLF and to see her further the extraordinary work of Michael Markarian, Sara’s leadership and innovation have been and will continue to be profound assets to HSLF and its affiliates."

Amundson’s 30-year career in animal protection started with the Doris Day Animal League in 1988. Since then, she has maintained a strong presence before Congress and state legislatures, testifying on a variety of critical animal protection issues. Her work on the "retail pet store" rule brought new regulation to puppy mills, and her tireless campaign for the passage of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act led to a reduction in use of animals in chemical testing. She helped to negotiate a deal with chemical industry leaders to support the replacement of animals in toxicity testing through federal appropriations and voluntary commitments. Her work with the chemical industry also prompted a voluntarily move to include a bittering agent in antifreeze in order to discourage pets from consuming it.

Of her new position, Amundson stated, "I am honored to lead HSLF, alongside an army of committed individuals who know the value of supporting humane candidates championing animal protection policies. Together, we will advocate for all animals within the halls of state legislatures and the U.S. Congress to build a more humane society."

Currently, HSLF and its partner organizations are working to make the United States the next cruelty-free marketplace by supporting the bipartisan Humane Cosmetics Act, which has 170 House cosponsors; securing more cruelty-free pledges as a founding member of the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ Leaping Bunny Program; and promoting humane innovation.

Markarian said, "I am grateful to Sara Amundson for her leadership and to our entire staff of the Humane Society Legislative Fund for working to advance our critical policy and political agenda for animals, and look forward to many future advances to protect animals from cruelty and abuse.”

Media Contact: Anna West: awest@hslf.org; 301-258-1518

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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.