WASHINGTON (May 20, 2014) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announces its endorsement of former Virginia Lt. Gov. and U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland Don Beyer, for the open House seat in Virginia’s 8th  Congressional District. Citing his strong support of animal protection policies, the Humane Society Legislative Fund urges 8th District voters to support Don Beyer in the Democratic primary.

 “Don Beyer understands that one element of a civil society is the humane treatment of all animals, and he would work in Congress to protect these creatures from cruelty and abuse,” said Michael Markarian, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “The 8th District needs a representative who will build on Jim Moran’s outstanding body of work on animal welfare, and Don Beyer has pledged to take on issues such as puppy mills, wildlife protection and cosmetic testing on animals. Voters who care about the humane treatment of animals should support Don Beyer for Congress.”

 Virginia’s 8th Congressional District has been represented for 24 years by retiring Rep. Jim Moran. Moran has always been one of the leading advocates for animal protection in Congress, and serves as the co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus.

 Media Contact: Martin Montorfano, 202-276-2347, mmontorfano@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.

(April 25, 2014)--In response to WAVE News’ undercover investigation of Matt Bevin’s comments at a pro-cockfighting rally, Michael Markarian, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, released the following statement:

“Cockfighting is a crime in all 50 states, although in Kentucky and a few other states with weak misdemeanor penalties, the cockfighters hope law enforcement will look the other way when a crime is in progress. The only people who want to legalize this blood sport are those who strap razor-sharp knives to the legs of birds and force them to slash each other to death, just for the entertainment of spectators who place gambling bets and are titillated by the bloodletting and violence. Matt Bevin showed appalling judgment in associating himself with this band of lawbreakers and perpetrators of unspeakable animal cruelty. Serious-minded candidates and public-office holders should stand against all forms of animal cruelty, whether cockfighting, dogfighting or horse soring.”

Media contact: Heather Sullivan, (240) 477-2251, hsullivan@hslf.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.

WASHINGTON (April 1, 2014) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation's leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announces its endorsement of California State Sen. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif., for the open House seat in California's 11^th Congressional District. Citing his strong support of animal protection policies, HSLF urges California voters to support Mark DeSaulnier.

"Mark DeSaulnier has been a leading advocate for all animals during his tenure in the California legislature," says Sara Amundson, executive director of the HSLF. “We urge voters in the 11th District to support him."

In 2013, DeSaulnier supported legislation to:

• Restrict certain trapping methods and promote non-lethal options for mountain lion removal (AB 789, AB 1213, and SB 132). These bills were signed into law.
• Require that hunters use non-lead ammunition, to prevent the toxic poisoning of more than 130 species of wildlife (AB 711). This bill was signed into law.
• Promote the development of dog parks (AB 265). This bill was signed into law.
• Protect pets, including restrictions on the sale of live animals at swap meets and flea markets (AB 339).

In 2012, DeSaulnier supported legislation to:

• Reform of state fish and wildlife management processes (AB 2402). This bill was signed into law.
• Increase the ability to prosecute and penalize for wildlife crimes (AB 2179).
• Improve the Fish and Game Commission appointments and business practices (AB 2609). This bill was signed into law.
• Protect pets and wildlife from dangers associated with trapping methods (SB 1480).
• Prohibit landlords from requiring that cats be declawed or dogs be devocalized as a condition of tenancy (SB 1229). This bill was signed into law.
• Increase penalties for animal fighting (SB 1145). This bill was signed into law.
• Ban the cruel and unsporting practice of hounding bears and bobcats (SB 1221). This bill was signed into law.

In 2011, DeSaulnier supported legislation to:

• Increase fines and add cockfighting to the profiteering statue (SB 425). This bill was signed into law.
• Define repeat animal fighting as a nuisance and allow the eviction of tenants convicted of these activities (SB 426). This bill was signed into law.
• Require released shelter animals to be microchipped (SB 702). This bill was vetoed by the governor.
• Ban sales of animals in parking lots and along roadsides, and increase animal neglect penalties (SB 917). This bill was signed into law.
• Create a uniform mechanism for rabies vaccination exemptions for a dog based on a veterinarian advice (SB 258). This bill was signed into law.
• Ban on the possession, sale, trade and distribution of shark fins (AB 376). This bill was signed into law.
• Reauthorize income tax check-off for the Municipal Shelter Spay-Neuter Fund (AB 564). This bill was signed into law.
• Amend the Penal Code to prohibit criminals convicted of animal cruelty from owning animals for a specified period of time after their conviction (AB 1117). This bill was vetoed by the governor.
• Authorize puppy provision licensing, to address barriers and improve funding for animal care/control activities (AB 1121). This bill was signed into law.

In 2010, DeSaulnier supported legislation to:

• Require that shell eggs sold in the state come from hens that have enough space to turn around and stretch their wings (AB 1437). This bill was signed into law.
• Require any garment including any animal fur to be labeled with the species and country of origin (AB 1656).
• Increase penalties for those convicted of felony animal neglect (AB 2012).
• Require clearer price and coverage disclosures by insurers (AB 2411).
• Protect tenants from being forced by landlords into unnecessary surgery on their pets (AB 2743).
• Support federal legislation to protect American horses from slaughter for human consumption (SJR 22). This resolution was passed.

DeSaulnier also opposed a bill that would have allowed the import and sale of any part or product of kangaroos by extending the sunset provision in the existing law (SB 1345).

California's 11th Congressional District has been represented for 40 years by retiring Rep. George Miller, who has always been one of the leading advocates for animal protection in Congress.

Media contact: Stephanie Twining, 240-751-3943, stwining@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, 2100 L Street NW, Suite 310, Washington, D.C., 20037.

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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.

WASHINGTON (March 26, 2014) – The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announces its endorsement of State Sen. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., for election in the 33^rd Congressional District of California. Citing his strong support of animal protection policies, HSLF urges 33^rd District voters to support Ted Lieu.

“Ted Lieu has shown strong and consistent leadership in the California State Senate for animal protection issues, in particular authoring a bill that successfully banned the cruel practice of hounding,” said Sara Amundson, executive director of HSLF. “We urge California voters who care about the humane treatment of animals to support Ted Lieu.”

In 2013, Ted Lieu supported legislation to:

• Restrict certain trapping methods and promote non-lethal options for mountain lion removal (AB 789, AB 1213, and SB 132). These bills were signed into law.
• Require that hunters use non-lead ammunition, to prevent the toxic poisoning of more than 130 species of wildlife (AB 711). This bill was signed into law.
• Promote the development of dog parks (AB 265). This bill was signed into law.
• Protect pets, including restrictions on the sale of live animals at swap meets and flea markets (AB 339).

Lieu also signed a letter opposing the radical and overreaching King Amendment in the federal Farm Bill and a letter supporting restrictions on the sale of rodenticides.

In 2012, Ted Lieu authored a bill to ban the cruel practice of hounding bears and bobcats (SB 1221). This bill was signed into law.

He also supported legislation to:

• Reform of state fish and wildlife management processes (AB 2402). This bill was signed into law.
• Improve the Fish and Game Commission appointments and business practices (AB 2609). This bill was signed into law.
• Protect pets and wildlife from dangers associated with trapping methods (SB 1480).
• Prohibit landlords from requiring that cats be declawed or dogs be devocalized as a condition of tenancy (SB 1229). This bill was signed into law.
• Increase penalties for animal fighting (SB 1145). This bill was signed into law.

In 2011, Lieu supported legislation to:

• Increase fines and add cockfighting to the profiteering statue (SB 425). This bill was signed into law.
• Define repeat animal fighting as a nuisance and allow the eviction of tenants convicted of these activities (SB 426). This bill was signed into law.
• Require released shelter animals to be microchipped (SB 702). This bill was vetoed by the governor.
• Ban sales of animals in parking lots and along roadsides, and increase animal neglect penalties (SB 917). This bill was signed into law.
• Create a uniform mechanism for rabies vaccination exemptions for a dog based on a veterinarian advice (SB 258). This bill was signed into law.
• Reauthorize income tax check-off for the Municipal Shelter Spay-Neuter Fund (AB 564). This bill was signed into law.
• Amend the Penal Code to prohibit criminals convicted of animal cruelty from owning animals for a specified period of time after their conviction (AB 1117). This bill was vetoed by the governor.
• Authorize puppy provision licensing, to address barriers and improve funding for animal care/control activities (AB 1121). This bill was signed into law.

In 2010, Lieu:

• Co-authored a bill to require that shell eggs sold in the state come from hens that have enough space to turn around and stretch their wings (AB 1437). This bill was signed into law.
• Co-authored a bill that required any garment including any animal fur to be labeled with the species and country of origin (AB 1656).
• Authored a bill that increased penalties for those convicted of felony animal neglect (AB 2012).
• Supported a bill that required clearer price and coverage disclosures by insurers (AB 2411).
• Supported a bill that Protects tenants from being forced by landlords into unnecessary surgery on their pets (AB 2743)
• Opposed a bill that would have allowed the import and sale of any part or product of kangaroos by extending the sunset provision in the existing law (SB 1345).
• Supported federal legislation to protect American horses from slaughter for human consumption (SJR 22). This resolution was passed.

California’s 33rd Congressional District has been represented for 40 years by retiring Rep. Henry Waxman, who has always been one of the leading advocates for animal protection in Congress.

Media contact: Stephanie Twining, 240-751-3943, stwining@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 (March 19, 2014) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announces its endorsement of U.S. Rep. Gary Peters, D-Mich., for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat. Peters has consistently led efforts to strengthen the nation’s laws on animal cruelty and abuse. Citing his effective leadership and strong support of animal protection policies, the Humane Society Legislative Fund urges Michigan voters to support Gary Peters.

“Gary Peters has been a determined and effective leader in protecting animals from cruelty and abuse, from his time in the Michigan legislature to the U.S. Congress,” 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 voters who care about the humane treatment of animals to support Gary Peters for Senate.”

Peters 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, Peters has:

• Worked to defeat the dangerous and overreaching “King amendment,” which threatened to nullify state and local laws on animal welfare and agriculture and was nixed from the 2014 Farm Bill
• Sponsored and successfully passed legislation to ban commerce in videos showing the intentional torture of puppies, kittens and other live animals for the sexual titillation of viewers (P.L. 111-294)
• 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
• Sponsored an amendment to protect threatened polar bears in the Arctic and prevent the import of sport-hunted polar bear trophies from Canada (H.AMDT.1008/H.R. 4089)
• Sponsored an amendment to save millions of taxpayer dollars by reducing the use of toxic poisons and other inhumane methods of killing predators as a subsidy for private livestock ranchers (H.AMDT.471/H.R. 2112)
• Co-sponsored the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments, H.R. 1731, to ban barren battery cages in the egg industry and improve the treatment of hundreds of millions of laying hens
• Co-sponsored the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act, H.R. 1094, to prohibit the slaughter and export of horses for human consumption overseas
• Co-sponsored the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, H.R. 1518, to strengthen the federal law against the “soring” of show horses—using caustic chemicals and other painful substances to injure the horses’ hooves and legs to induce a high-stepping gait
• Co-sponsored the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, H.R. 366, which was included in the 2014 Farm Bill, making it a federal crime to attend or bring a child to a dogfight or cockfight
• Co-sponsored the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act, H.R. 847, to protect dogs and consumers by cracking down on large-scale puppy mill abuses

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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 (March 11, 2014) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announces its endorsement of California State Rep. Tony Strickland, R-CA., for the open House seat in California’s 25^th  District. Citing his strong support of animal protection policies, the Humane Society Legislative Fund urges California voters to support Tony Strickland.

“Tony Strickland, as a member of the California State Senate, was a major supporter of state laws that benefitted the lives of animals, ranging anywhere from cockfighting to companion animals,” said Michael Markarian, President of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “A vote for Strickland as a member of Congress is a vote for the humane treatment of animals.”

Among his efforts, Strickland has:

• Co-authored legislation to crack down on animal fighting (SB 425). The bill was signed into law.
• Co-authored legislation to ban the sale of animals in parking lots and along roadsides. It also increases fines and possible jail time for those convicted of felony animal neglect (SB 917). The bill was signed into law.
• Co-authored legislation to prohibit criminals convicted of animal cruelty from owning animals for a specific period of time after their conviction (AB 1117). The bill was signed into law.
• Spoke out on the floor, led his caucus and voted for legislation prohibiting the sale of shark fins, to reduce the demand for finning millions of sharks and leaving them to suffer and die at sea (AB 376). The bill was signed into law.
• Supported efforts to promote the adoption of dogs and cats from shelters, including hosting events and participating in public service announcements supporting pet adoptions.

Media contact: Heather Sullivan, (240) 477-2251, hsullivan@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.

The Farm Bill conference report released today by the House-Senate conference committee includes two major wins on animal welfare issues, and was applauded by The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund. The compromise bill includes a provision making it a federal crime to attend or bring a child under the age of 16 to an animal fighting event, and omits a controversial House-passed provision seeking to nullify state laws setting standards for agricultural production.

“The conference committee produced a Farm Bill that will fortify the federal law against organized and barbaric dogfighting and cockfighting rings, and thankfully jettisoned the dangerous and overreaching King amendment which threatened so many state and local laws on agriculture and animal welfare,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. “The Farm Bill contains a dizzying number of provisions, but based on the outcome of these two critical issues on animal welfare, we will urge lawmakers to enact it.”

Media Contact: Anna West: 240-751-2669; awest@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.

U.S. Rep. Jim Moran, D-Va., has been a remarkable leader on animal welfare issues during his career. In the wake of his announcement that he would not seek re-election in November, The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund thank him for his work to protect animals. Moran is the co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, and he helped to shepherd a raft of animal protection legislation through the Congress, including just this week language in the omnibus 2014 spending bill to prevent the re-establishment of horse slaughter plants on U.S. soil.

Michael Markarian, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, said: “Jim Moran has been a leader on animal protection issues for years, and it’s so difficult to imagine our work without him. He has been at the forefront of so many of the most pressing issues affecting animals – from banning horse slaughter to curbing dogfighting and cockfighting to cracking down on the sale of dog and cat fur in the U.S.”

Among Rep. Moran’s accomplishments on animal protection issues:

• He was the lead sponsor of the Truth in Fur Labeling Act, which was enacted in 2010, closing a loophole in federal law that previously allowed many garments trimmed with animal fur to be sold without labels and falsely advertised as “faux.”
• He was the lead sponsor of an amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations bill prohibiting the U.S. Department of Agriculture from spending funds to inspect horse slaughter plants. Moran’s amendment was included in the omnibus spending bill released this week, and will prevent horse slaughter plants from opening in the U.S.
• As the Ranking Member of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, he has worked to improve the Bureau of Land Management’s wild horse and burro program, and promote more humane and cost-effective management through fertility control.
• He is a lead sponsor of the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, which would make it a federal crime to attend or bring a child to a dogfight or cockfight. This language has been included in the 2013 Farm Bill.
• He received the 2010 Humane Legislator of the Year Award from The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund. 
• He has also been centrally involved in efforts to stop bear baiting on federal lands, to crack down on indiscriminate, federally funded predator control, to eliminate horse soring, to halt the trade in powerful wild animals as exotic pets, and to stop so many other forms of cruelty.

Media Contact: Heather Sullivan, 240.477.2251; hsullivan@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.

WASHINGTON (October 4, 2013) — The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announces its endorsement of Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, for U.S. Senate in the October 16 special election. Citing his strong support of animal protection policies, the Humane Society Legislative Fund urges New Jersey voters to support Cory Booker.

“In his public service, Cory Booker has been a strong champion of animal protection, and an effective leader in cracking down on cruelty and abuse,” said Sara Amundson, executive director of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “He has consistently stood up for the values of kindness and compassion, and we urge voters who care about the humane treatment of animals to support Cory Booker.”

During his time as Mayor and in his personal life Cory Booker has:

• Received The Humane Society of the United States’ Humane Public Servant award in 2011.
• Led efforts to build a state-of-the-art animal shelter in Newark, stating his hope that: “Newark will be known as a city that cares not only about its people, but its animals, too.”
• Raised awareness of animal cruelty issues through social media, including the story of Patrick, a starving, young pit bull found inside a trash bag.
• Personally rescued two dogs in Newark - one from freezing temperatures (January 2013) and one from extreme confinement (July 2013) - and publicly denounced abuse and neglect.

Media contact: Heather Sullivan, (240) 477-2251, hsullivan@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.

Animal Advocates and State Legislators Call on Congress to Nix Provision that Tramples on States’ Rights

WASHINGTON (August 13, 2013) -- States’ bans on inhumane factory farming practices and many other state laws and rules regulating agriculture are at risk of annulment unless Congress rejects a highly destructive provision adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives in its version of the pending Farm Bill. The Senate version of the Farm Bill does not contain such a provision, and a House-Senate conference committee will now negotiate a final bill.

At a press conference to sound the alarm of these dire consequences, The Humane Society of the United States was joined by state legislators who were attending the National Conference State Legislators. NCSL previously sent a letter to House and Senate committee leaders urging them to strip King’s dangerous provision from the Farm Bill. In the bipartisan letter, New Hampshire Speaker of the House Terie Norelli, D-N.H., and Oregon State Sen. Bruce Starr, R-Ore.—the president and president-elect, respectively, of NCSL—write that the King amendment “would preempt vital state agricultural policies designed to protect the safety and well-being of our farmland, waterways, forests and most importantly, our constituents.” They add that the King amendment “would also have significant economic effects across the states” and would target “state laws that were approved by state legislatures for the purpose of protecting the health and safety of consumers and the viability of our precious farmland and forests.”

The provision in the House bill from Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, could not only wipe out numerous state animal protection laws on puppy mills, farm animal confinement, shark finning, horse slaughter, and even dog meat, but also a wide range of other laws related to food safety, environmental protection, worker safety, labeling and more. Laws such as these in Georgia are threatened by the King provision:

Animals

• Ga. Code Ann., § 26-2-160: Dog meat prohibition

Environmental

• GA. CODE ANN. §§ 12-16-1 to -8, amended by 2004 Ga. Laws 463: Environmental planning

Health & Safety

• Ga. Code Ann., § 4-5-3: Requirements for disposal of dead livestock

• O.C.G.A. Title 25 Chapter 14: Fire-safety standards for cigarettes

Other examples of state laws that could be nullified by the King amendment are listed here. 

State Sen. Starr, said: “This Farm Bill provision would preempt vital state agricultural policies designed to protect the safety and well-being of Oregon’s consumers and environment. The King Amendment not only violates the tenets of the Tenth Amendment, but would also have significant economic effects across the states, and should be rejected by Congress.”

John Goodwin, director of animal cruelty policy for The Humane Society of the United States said: “State agriculture laws were crafted by legislators, agencies and citizens who know their needs best and should not be overturned by politicians in Washington, D.C. The King amendment is a violation of the Tenth Amendment’s guarantee that states’ sovereign rights cannot be abridged by Congress.”

More than 160 House Democratic and Republican lawmakers wrote to the leadership of their chamber’s Agriculture Committee and expressed opposition to the King amendment.

The HSUS, Humane Society Legislative Fund and a broad coalition of more than 60 groups representing sustainable agriculture, consumer, environmental, animal welfare and other interests are urging conference committee members to omit the provision.

Celebrities have also spoken up including musician Moby and singer/songwriter Ke$ha, who tweeted their opposition.

If King’s amendment becomes law, labeling and other rules for products and ingredients such as artificial sweeteners, maple syrup, milk fat, farm-raised fish, tobacco and additives in alcohol could be swept away. The same for controls on import of firewood carrying invasive pests, rules on pesticide exposure, safety standards for farm workers handling dangerous equipment, and laws restricting practices such as the killing of sharks for their fins and the sale of dog and cat meat.

Facts:

• Rep. King has a history of attempting to block animal welfare laws. He has voted in favor of killing horses for human consumption and trophy killing of polar bears even though they are a threatened species. He also voted against disaster response legislation to address the needs of people with pets, passed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and he opposed legislation to crack down on illegal dogfighting and cockfighting.
• King’s amendment could also nullify six state bans on gestation crates, horse slaughter bans in six states, comprehensive animal welfare standards adopted by the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, and a raft of other animal protection laws designed to shield farm animals from abuse and extreme confinement.

Media Contacts:

Anna West, awest@humanesociety.org, 240-751-2669
Heather Sullivan, hsullivan@humanesociety.org, 240-477-2251

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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.