WASHINGTON (Sept. 17, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announced its endorsement of U.S. Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick for reelection in the 8th Congressional District of Pennsylvania. Citing his effective leadership and advocacy on animal protection policies, the Humane Society Legislative Fund urges voters to support Fitzpatrick.

“Michael Fitzpatrick has led important efforts to protect the Endangered Species Act, stop the trade in dangerous primates as pets, and protect animals from cruelty and abuse,” said Michael Markarian, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “He is fighting for the values of kindness and compassion, and we urge voters who care about the humane treatment of animals to reelect Michael Fitzpatrick.”

Fitzpatrick has been a strong supporter of animal protection. Among his efforts, he has:

• Sponsored a successful amendment to the Interior Appropriations Bill, which removed a devastating “extinction rider” that would have weakened the Endangered Species Act by preventing the listing of imperiled species and designation of critical habitat
• Sponsored the Captive Primate Safety Act, H.R. 4306, to prohibit the interstate commerce in chimpanzees and other primates for the exotic pet trade, which poses a danger to animal welfare and to public health and safety
• Co-sponsored the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act, H.R. 835, to crack down on abusive “puppy mills” in the U.S., 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 Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments, H.R. 3798, to improve the treatment of egg-laying hens and provide a stable and secure future for U.S. egg farmers
• 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 close a loophole in the federal animal fighting law by making it a crime to attend or take a minor to an organized dogfight or cockfight
• Co-sponsored the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, H.R. 2966, 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
• Supported an amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations Bill that would have saved millions of taxpayer dollars by reducing the use of aerial gunning, toxic poisons, steel-jawed leghold traps, and other inhumane methods of killing predators as a subsidy for private livestock ranchers
• Supported an amendment to cap agriculture subsidies and limit huge taxpayer giveaways to massive factory farms which jeopardize public health, the environment, and animal welfare, while also driving smaller and more humane, sustainable family farms out of business

Media contacts: Heather Sullivan, (301) 548-7778, 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.

WASHINGTON (Sept. 13, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announced its endorsement of U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm, R-N.Y., for the new 11th Congressional District in New York. Citing his effective leadership and advocacy on animal protection policies, the Humane Society Legislative Fund urges voters to support Grimm.

“Michael Grimm has demonstrated strong leadership on important policies to support the human-animal bond and prevent animal cruelty,” said Sara Amundson, executive director of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “He has stood up for the values of kindness and compassion and we urge New York voters to support Grimm.”

Grimm has been a leading champion for animal protection since he began his service in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his first term he has:

• Sponsored the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act, H.R. 198, to create a pilot program in which veterans suffering from post-deployment mental health conditions train service dogs, including those rescued from shelters, as a form of therapy. The dogs would then go to help veterans with disabilities.  Grimm’s bill unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2011 as part of a larger veterans’ health care bill.
• Co-sponsored the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments, H.R. 3798, to improve the treatment of egg-laying hens and provide a stable and secure future for U.S. egg farmers
• Co-sponsored the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, H.R. 2966, 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
• Co-sponsored the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act, H.R. 835, to crack down on abusive “puppy mills” in the U.S., 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 close a loophole in the federal animal fighting law by making it a crime to  knowingly attend or take a minor to an organized dogfight or cockfight
• Co-sponsored the Battlefield Excellence through Superior Training (BEST) Practices Act, H.R. 1417, to require the military to use only human-based methods for training soldiers in the treatment of severe combat injuries, assuring a more humane and effective training protocol
• Adopted Sebastian, a Yorkshire terrier rescued from a Missouri puppy mill, who makes the rounds on Capitol Hill with Grimm

Media contact: Heather Sullivan, (301) 548-7778, 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.

WASHINGTON (Aug. 17, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announced its endorsement of Kyrsten Sinema in the Democratic primary for Arizona’s new 9th Congressional District. Citing her strong leadership and support of animal protection policies, the Humane Society Legislative Fund urges primary voters to support Sinema.

“Kyrsten Sinema has a strong record of leadership on animal protection issues and has stood up for the values of kindness and compassion,” said Sara Amundson, executive director of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “We encourage primary voters who care about the humane treatment of animals to support Kyrsten Sinema.”

Sinema has been a strong supporter of animal protection in the Arizona state legislature. Among her efforts, she was the:

• Prime sponsor of HB 2264, to protect the Arizona bald eagle under the Endangered Species Act
• Prime sponsor of HB 2375, prohibiting importing or transporting, commerce or possession of live wildlife in the state, except as authorized by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission
• Prime sponsor of HB 2150, to strengthen the state’s animal fighting law and ban the practice of hog-dog fights
• Prime sponsor of HB 2282, banning horse tripping, and requiring the Arizona Department of Agriculture to establish a registry of equine rescue facilities
• Prime sponsor of HB 2448, to increase the penalties for harming law enforcement animals
• Prime sponsor of HB 2516, promoting spaying and neutering to reduce the overpopulation and euthanasia of pets
• Prime sponsor of HB 2536, prohibiting the extreme confinement of egg-laying hens in small battery cages where the animals can barely move an inch for their entire lives
• Prime sponsor of HB 2537, prohibiting the testing of products on animals  if scientifically validated alternatives are available
• Prime sponsor of HB 2779, to require microchipping of dogs before a kennel license is issued

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.

Comments Delivered to USDA in Support of Regulating Internet Puppy Mills

WASHINGTON (August 15, 2012) -- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,  Best Friends Animal Society, The Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society Legislative Fund, Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, and a member of the social change platform Change.org together have gathered approximately 350,000 letters and signatures from concerned citizens, the last of which were hand-delivered today to the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in support of the agency’s efforts to regulate unlicensed puppy mills.

The USDA has proposed a rule that will require large-scale commercial breeders that sell pets over the Internet or by mail or phone, sight-unseen, to be licensed and inspected under the federal Animal Welfare Act. The public comment period closes today. Now the USDA will read and consider all comments before deciding final action on the proposed rule.

The following statements were issued:

“The enormous public response to the USDA’s proposed rule illustrates just how strongly Americans support greater oversight of unlicensed puppy mills,” said Nancy Perry, senior vice president of ASPCA Government Relations. “The ASPCA has witnessed the abhorrent cruelty that often exists behind the pictures of happy puppies posted on a breeder’s website, and this rule would crack down on the worst of Internet breeders. We encourage the USDA to adopt a final rule that is enforceable, effective and covers as many commercial breeders as possible.”

“Unethical breeders have been using the Internet as a way to avoid regulation," said Gregory Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society.  "That the USDA is taking the initiative to close this loophole, plus the nearly 350,000 letters and signatures collected by national animal advocacy and animal protection groups to support the proposed rule change, reflect a profound societal change -- the growing will of the American public to protect puppies and other animals from unscrupulous breeders."

“I have three rescued dogs from puppy mills and am an active member of the rescue community,” said Washington, D.C. resident Anne Gregory, who gathered more than 143,000 signatures on her petition on Change.org. “I'm so optimistic that this USDA loophole will be closed and dogs will be protected thanks to the caring individuals who signed my petition.”

“We asked the public to speak up for dogs in unlicensed puppy mills -- and hundreds of thousands responded. This level of support shows the intensity of concern about the humane treatment of animals,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. “We thank the Obama administration and USDA for proposing this change and encourage them to make it final in short order." The HSUS gathered more than 111,000 letters in support of the rule.

“If enacted, this proposed rule will essentially achieve the same reform as pending congressional legislation which has more than 235 bipartisan cosponsors in the House and Senate,”  said Michael Markarian, president of HSLF. “This overwhelming bipartisan support demonstrates that Americans of all political stripes want dogs protected from abuse and it’s time to crack down on unlicensed puppy mill dealers.”

“Veterinary professionals know firsthand the suffering of puppies born in unlicensed puppy mills and the anguish of families who bring home a sick or dying puppy,” said Dr. Susan Krebsbach of HSVMA. “This change is long overdue, and on behalf of our 4,500 veterinary professional members nationwide, we encourage the agency to finalize it quickly.”

The HSUS & HSLF: Rebecca Basu, 301-258-3152, rbasu@humanesociety.org
ASPCA: Rebecca Goldrick, 646-291-4582, Rebecca.Goldrick@aspca.org
Change.org: Pulin Modi, 202-684-2552, press@change.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.

The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association was formed as a home for veterinary professionals who want to join together to speak out for animals, engage in direct care programs for animals in need, and educate the public and others in the profession about animal welfare issues. The HSVMA is an affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States -- on the Web at hsvma.org.

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Change.org is the world’s fastest-growing platform for social change—growing by one million new members a month, and empowering millions of people to start, join, and win campaigns for social change in their community, city and country.

Best Friends Animal Society, named Animal Welfare Non-Profit National Brand of the Year based on the 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend® study, is a national animal welfare organization building no-kill programs and partnerships that will bring about a day when there are No More HomelessPets®. The society's leading initiatives in animal care and community programs are coordinated from its Kanab, Utah headquarters, the country's largest no-kill sanctuary. This work is made possible by the personal and financial support of a grassroots network of supporters and community partners across the nation.

Farm Bill Amendment by Rep. Jim McGovern Closes Loophole in Federal Law by Outlawing Attendance at Dogfights and Cockfights

WASHINGTON (July 12, 2012) -- The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund applaud Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., and other members of the House Agriculture Committee who voted in favor of his amendment to the Farm Bill last night to bar attending or bringing a child to a dogfight or cockfight. The amendment passed the committee by a vote of 26 to 19, and is now included in the version of the Farm Bill poised for consideration on the House floor. The U.S. Senate previously approved a similar amendment, offered by Sen. David Vitter, R-La., by a vote of 88 to 11.

The federal animal fighting law already makes it a felony to stage fights, possess or train animals for fighting, or to move animals or cockfighting implements in interstate commerce for fighting purposes.  The McGovern amendment prohibits attendance at organized animal fights and bringing a child to these bloody and illegal spectacles. The amendment is nearly identical to the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, H.R. 2492, introduced by Reps. Tom Marino, R-Pa., and Betty Sutton, D-Ohio, which has more than 200 co-sponsors, and S. 1947, introduced by Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Mark Kirk, R-Ill., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Scott Brown, R-Mass.

Over the past decade, Congress has strengthened the penalties for and closed major loopholes in the federal law addressing dogfighting, cockfighting, and other forms of animal fighting but has left the issue of spectators unaddressed. This legislation will correct this remaining gap in federal law to allow for a more comprehensive crackdown on this barbaric activity.

“Spectators are participants and accomplices who enable the crime of animal fighting, make the enterprise profitable through admission fees and wagering, and help conceal and protect the handlers and organizers,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. “We hope that federal investigators who raid large-scale animal fighting operations will soon be able to prosecute the entire cast of characters who sustain dogfighting and cockfighting thanks to the outstanding leadership of Congressman McGovern and Senator Vitter.”

“I’m very proud of the Agriculture Committee for supporting this amendment in a bipartisan way,” Rep. McGovern said.  “Animal fights are violent, gory, criminal spectacles, and the loophole for so-called ‘spectators’ needs to be closed.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that this language becomes the law of the land.”

The House Agriculture Committee also, disappointingly, approved an amendment to the Farm Bill by Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, which is intended to summarily void dozens of duly enacted state laws, state citizen ballot initiatives, state constitutional provisions, and key state health and safety regulations across the country. This provision amounts to a radical federal overreach and seeks to rob the states of their historic police power to legislate for the health, safety, and welfare of their citizens. Never before has Congress passed such a sweeping attempt to override state legislative authority, and The HSUS and HSLF urge the House to reject the King amendment.

“Before failing in his attempt to block an effort to strengthen federal laws against illegal dogfighting and cockfighting – a crusade he led as a state lawmaker and now as a Congressman -- Steve King succeeded in passing an amendment that seeks to nullify countless state and local laws duly approved by lawmakers or voters to promote food safety, worker protection, or animal welfare,” said Pacelle. “He doesn’t want the federal government to pass any laws to protect animals or consumer safety, and now he wants to nullify or prevent any such laws at the state and local level, too. We cannot allow the Farm bill to pass with such a poison pill provision that tramples on the rights and jeopardizes people and animals.”

Animal Fighting Facts:

• It is illegal in 49 states to be a knowing spectator at an animal fight.  The McGovern amendment establishes federal criminal penalties for knowing attendance and for knowingly causing a minor to attend.
• The law would not affect “innocent bystanders,” because organized animal fighting is a federal crime and illegal in all 50 states; this activity is highly clandestine and spectators don’t just accidentally happen upon a fight. They seek out the criminal activity at secret locations, often need passwords to enter, and pay admission fees for the opportunity to watch and gamble on the gruesome show – facts that a prosecutor might use as evidence to prove that a defendant knowingly attended.
• Spectators pay hundreds or thousands of dollars in admission fees and gambling bets, generating the bulk of the revenue for this illegal enterprise. The fights would not occur without the crowd betting on the outcome and enjoying the bloodletting.
• Often spectators are themselves participants in animal fights, waiting their turn at a typical organized animal fight, with several rounds during an event or derby. When police raid an animal fight, it is extremely difficult to differentiate between spectators and participants who were going to fight their dog or bird in the next match.
• Animal fighting is also closely associated with other criminal activities such as gangs, narcotics, illegal weapons possession, public corruption and various violent crimes.  A three-year study by the Chicago Police Department found that 70 percent of animal offenders had also been arrested for other felonies, including domestic and aggravated battery, illegal drug trafficking and sex crimes.
• The Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and nearly 200 law enforcement agencies from across the country.

The following House Agriculture Committee members voted yes on the McGovern amendment: Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb.; Glenn Thompson, R-Pa.; Austin Scott, R-Ga.; Martha Roby, R-Ala.; Renee Ellmers, R-N.C.; Chris Gibson, R-N.Y.; Bobby Schilling, R-Ill.;  Collin Peterson, D-Minn.; Tim Holden, D-Pa.; Mike McIntyre, D-N.C.; Leonard Boswell, D-Iowa; Joe Baca, D-Calif.; Dennis Cardoza, D-Calif.; David Scott, D-Ga.; Henry Cuellar, D-Texas; Tim Walz, D-Minn.; Kurt Schrader, D-Ore.; Larry Kissell, D-N.C.; Bill Owens, D-N.Y.; Chellie Pingree, D-Maine; Joe Courtney, D-Conn.; Peter Welch, D-Vt.; Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio; Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, D-Northern Marianas; Terri Sewell, D-Ala.; and Jim McGovern, D-Mass.

The following House Agriculture Committee members voted no on the McGovern amendment: Frank Lucas, R-Okla.; Robert Goodlatte, R-Va.; Steve King, R-Iowa; Randy Neugebauer, R-Texas; Michael Conaway, R-Texas; Jean Schmidt, R-Ohio; Tom Rooney, R-Fla.; Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind.; Bob Gibbs, R-Ohio; Scott Tipton, R-Colo.; Steve Southerland, R-Fla.; Rick Crawford, R-Ark.; Tim Huelskamp, R-Kan.; Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn.; Randy Hultgren, R-Ill.; Vicky Hartzler, R-Mo.; Reid Ribble, R-Wis.; Kristi Noem, R-S.D.; Jim Costa, D-Calif.

Media contact: Rebecca Basu, (240) 753-4875, rbasu@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.

Closes Loophole in Federal Law by Outlawing Attendance at Dog and Cockfights

WASHINGTON (June 20, 2012) -- The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund applauded the U.S. Senate for approving an amendment, by a vote of 88 to 11, introduced by Sen. David Vitter, R-La., and strongly backed by Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Mark Kirk, R-Ill., Scott Brown, R-Mass., and Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., which closes loopholes in the federal animal fighting law related to attendance at dogfights and cockfights. The federal animal fighting law already makes it a felony to stage fights, possess or train animals for fighting, or to move animals or cockfighting implements in interstate commerce for fighting purposes. The Vitter amendment prohibits attendance at organized animal fights and imposes additional penalties for bringing a child to these bloody and illegal spectacles.

The amendment, approved during consideration of the Farm bill, is nearly identical to S. 1947, the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, introduced by Sens. Blumenthal, Kirk, Cantwell, and Brown. A House version of the bill, H.R. 2492, introduced by Reps. Tom Marino, R-Pa., and Betty Sutton, D-Ohio, has nearly 200 co-sponsors. The original Senate animal fighting amendment was not included in the approved list of amendments to be considered on the Farm bill, but a previously approved Vitter amendment dealing with television and film extras who bring their pets onto sets was modified to allow consideration of the animal fighting issue.

Over the past decade, Congress has strengthened the penalties for and closed major loopholes in the federal law addressing dogfighting, cockfighting, and other forms of animal fighting, but has left the issue of spectators unaddressed. This legislation will correct this remaining gap in federal law to allow for a more comprehensive crackdown on this barbaric activity.

“Spectators are participants and accomplices who enable the crime of animal fighting, make the enterprise profitable through admission fees and wagering, and help conceal and protect the handlers and organizers,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. “Federal investigators that raid large-scale animal fighting operations may soon be able to prosecute the entire cast of characters who sustain dogfighting and cockfighting.”

“We’ve made great strides in outlawing the cruel abuse of animal fighting, but I’m honored to have worked with a bipartisan group of senators to also make it much more difficult to attend these garish spectacles – especially with a minor,” said Sen. Vitter.

“Despite efforts by Congress to put an end to animal fighting, this cruel sport continues to exist throughout the country, and is financed by thousands of dollars from spectators who contribute to this blood sport. When animal fighting involves players from a number of different States, local law enforcement simply lacks the power to deal with it and to root out the entire operation,” said Sen. Blumenthal.

“This amendment gives local law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on illegal animal fighting. I was proud to cosponsor this bipartisan amendment, and to work with Senators Blumenthal and Vitter to ensure its passage. Enacting tough penalties is an important step to ending the cruel practice of animal fighting," said Sen. Cantwell.

It is illegal in 49 states to be a knowing spectator at an animal fight. A majority – 29 states – impose felony-level penalties on spectators. This legislation imposes federal misdemeanor penalties for knowing attendance and felony penalties for knowingly causing a minor to attend.

The law would not affect “innocent bystanders,” because organized animal fighting is a federal crime and illegal in all 50 states; this activity is highly clandestine and spectators don’t just accidentally happen upon a fight. They seek out the criminal activity at secret locations, often need passwords to enter, and pay admission fees for the opportunity to watch and gamble on the gruesome show – facts that a prosecutor might use as evidence to prove that a defendant knowingly attended.

Animal Fighting Facts:

• Spectators pay hundreds or thousands of dollars in admission fees and gambling bets, generating the bulk of the revenue for this illegal enterprise. The fights would not occur without the crowd betting on the outcome and enjoying the bloodletting.
• Often spectators are themselves participants in animal fights, waiting their turn at a typical organized animal fight, with several rounds during an event or derby. When police raid an animal fight, it is extremely difficult to differentiate between spectators and participants who were going to fight their dog or bird in the next match.
• Animal fighting is also closely associated with other criminal activities such as gangs, narcotics, illegal weapons possession, public corruption and various violent crimes. A three-year study by the Chicago Police Department found that 70 percent of animal offenders had also been arrested for other felonies, including domestic and aggravated battery, illegal drug trafficking and sex crimes.
• The Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, and more than 150 law enforcement agencies from across the country.

Media contacts: Rebecca Basu, (240) 753-4875 , rbasu@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 (June 6, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy group for animal welfare, is thanking Democratic primary voters in Iowa’s 2nd congressional district for handing an overwhelming defeat to state Sen. Joe Seng, D-Davenport, the champion of Iowa’s notorious “Ag Gag” bill (HF 589/SF 431), which aims to stop whistleblowers from exposing animal abuse, health violations and harassment at industrial factory farms.

“Voters were right to reject a lawmaker who chose to nullify First Amendment freedoms and to put a curtain up to hide potential instances of animal cruelty,” said Sara Amundson, executive director of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “We need elected officials who stand up for their constituents, not for special interests that want to avoid any public scrutiny. We thank Iowans who just said no to Joe Seng and opted instead to back Dave Loebsack by a wide margin.”

HSLF sent direct mail and e-mail to tens of thousands of Democratic primary voters informing them of Seng’s record of working to silence or jail whistleblowers at industrial-style factory farms. The mailer quoted several newspaper editorials which had criticized Iowa’s “Ag Gag” bill when it was considered in the Iowa legislature:

• “How can it be a crime to tell the truth about farms?”—Des Moines Register, 3/1/12
• The bill “could lead to unfairly prosecuting animal-abuse whistle-blowers and perhaps even could undermine the integrity and safety of the state’s food industry….a dangerous step in a censorious direction.”—Iowa City Press-Citizen, 3/1/12
• “This restraint of free speech cannot be squared with either the U.S. or the Iowa constitutions.”—Des Moines Register, 3/19/11
• The chance of whistleblowers being charged with a crime under the new law will be “enough to keep many of them silent.”—Cedar Rapids Gazette, 2/3/12

The legislation championed by Seng created the new crime of “agriculture production facility fraud,” and punishes whistleblowers, investigative journalists, and anyone who helps them report on problems uncovered at a factory farm, with imprisonment for up to two years. Legal scholars say the law is the most sweeping kind of free speech restriction, and an effort to halt speech before it can even be uttered. Animal advocates have conducted investigations to expose horrific animal cruelty, food safety problems, and other examples of criminal activity and malfeasance.

Seng was defeated in the primary by incumbent U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, who has a record of supporting numerous animal welfare issues. Loebsack voted to save taxpayer dollars and reduce the federal deficit by capping direct subsidies to factory farms, and has voted to ban animal “crush” videos, to make dogfighting and cockfighting a federal felony, to protect wild horses from commercial sale and slaughter, to prevent the import of sport-hunted polar bear trophies, to ban the trade in dangerous primates as pets, to pair service dogs with disabled veterans, and to prevent the weakening of the Endangered Species Act. He has also supported efforts to strengthen the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act, the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, the federal animal fighting law, and programs to address the needs of animals in disasters and ease the shortage of veterinarians in rural areas.

Media contacts: Heather Sullivan, (301) 548-7778, 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.

WASHINGTON (May 31, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy group for animal welfare, announced that it has launched an independent expenditure campaign opposing state Sen. Joe Seng, D-Davenport, for the Democratic primary in Iowa’s 2nd congressional district. Seng led the effort to pass Iowa’s notorious “Ag Gag” bill (HF 589/SF 431), which aims to stop whistleblowers from exposing animal abuse, health violations and harassment at industrial factory farms.

The legislation championed by Seng created the new crime of “agriculture production facility fraud,” and punishes whistleblowers, investigative journalists, and anyone who helps them report on problems uncovered at a factory farm, with imprisonment for up to two years. Legal scholars say the law is the most sweeping kind of free speech restriction, and an effort to halt speech before it can even be uttered. Animal advocates have conducted investigations to expose horrific animal cruelty, food safety problems, and other examples of criminal activity and malfeasance.

HSLF has sent direct mail and e-mail to Democratic primary voters informing them of Seng’s record of working to silence or jail whistleblowers at industrial-style factory farms. The mailer quotes several newspaper editorials which had criticized Iowa’s “Ag Gag” bill when it was considered in the Iowa legislature:

• “How can it be a crime to tell the truth about farms?”—Des Moines Register, 3/1/12
• The bill “could lead to unfairly prosecuting animal-abuse whistle-blowers and perhaps even could undermine the integrity and safety of the state’s food industry….a dangerous step in a censorious direction.”—Iowa City Press-Citizen, 3/1/12
• “This restraint of free speech cannot be squared with either the U.S. or the Iowa constitutions.”—Des Moines Register, 3/19/11
• The chance of whistleblowers being charged with a crime under the new law will be “enough to keep many of them silent.”—Cedar Rapids Gazette, 2/3/12

What is Joe Seng hiding by punishing whistleblowers at factory farms?” said Sara Amundson, executive director of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “We need elected officials who stand up for their constituents, not for special interests that want to be shielded from public discussion. Primary voters should say no to Joe Seng.”

Seng is challenging U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, who has a record of supporting numerous animal welfare issues. Loebsack voted to save taxpayer dollars and reduce the federal deficit by capping direct subsidies to factory farms, and has voted to ban animal “crush” videos, to make dogfighting and cockfighting a federal felony, to protect wild horses from commercial sale and slaughter, to prevent the import of sport-hunted polar bear trophies, to ban the trade in dangerous primates as pets, to pair service dogs with disabled veterans, and to prevent the weakening of the Endangered Species Act. He has also supported efforts to strengthen the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act, the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, the federal animal fighting law, and programs to address the needs of animals in disasters and ease the shortage of veterinarians in rural areas.

HSLF is urging primary voters to support Loebsack, and vote against Seng on June 5.

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.

Proposed Federal Rule Would Close Internet Loophole in Animal Welfare Act Regulations

WASHINGTON (May 10, 2012) -- The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund applaud U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for issuing a proposed rule designed to close the loophole in the Animal Welfare Act regulations that has allowed thousands of large-scale commercial puppy mills to operate without federal inspections or oversight, particularly operations that sell over the Internet.

“This is a very significant proposed federal action, since thousands of large-scale breeders take advantage of a loophole that allows them to escape any federal inspections,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States.  “Dogs in puppy mills often live in small, overcrowded cages, living in filth and denied veterinary care. We need more eyes on these operations, and this rule will help.”

Currently, the AWA regulations allow most large-scale, commercial puppy producers who sell puppies to distant buyers over the Internet or by phone, to avoid complying with even the most basic humane care standards. To view an HSUS fact sheet on the problems associated with Internet-based puppy mills, click here.

The proposed rule would require large-scale, commercial puppy breeders and dealers who sell to members of the public “sight unseen,” including those who sell over the Internet, to abide by the same basic standards of care as those who sell wholesale to pet stores. The proposed rule will not affect small hobby breeders who sell puppies directly to the public from their homes.

In 2011, more than 32,000 people signed a petition created by The HSUS and The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on the official White House website urging the Obama administration to crack down on unregulated puppy mills.

Legislation currently being considered in Congress, the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act, S. 707 and H.R. 835, would achieve a similar reform to the rule proposed today by USDA, and would require Internet puppy mill sellers to meet federal animal care standards. The HSUS and HSLF express their thanks to the bipartisan sponsors of the legislation, Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and David Vitter, R-La., and Reps. Jim Gerlach, R-Pa., Sam Farr, D-Calif., Bill Young, R-Fla., and Lois Capps, D-Calif., for advocating for this policy reform.

Announcement of the proposed rule change comes during Puppy Mill Action Week, The HSUS’ sixth annual event marking advocacy in support of stopping puppy mills. To learn more about the campaign to end puppy mills and activities marking the week, visit humanesociety.org/puppymills.

The proposed rule comes just a few months after the release of a shocking  HSUS investigation that demonstrated widespread consumer fraud and abuse throughout the commercial puppy mill industry, primarily due to lack of federal oversight of Internet puppy sellers. The investigation revealed that Purebred Breeders LLC, which owns and operates almost 800 websites, was found to be marketing dogs from puppy mills to unsuspecting buyers.

The investigation’s findings led The HSUS to collaborate with Florida-based consumer justice law firm, Leopold Law, to file a lawsuit against Purebred Breeders. The lawsuit, filed last November, alleges that the company uses deceptive sales practices to dupe unsuspecting consumers into purchasing dogs from puppy mills. To view video footage on the investigation, click here.

To view a short video of The HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle commenting on the proposed rule change, click here.

Media contact: Rebecca Basu, (301) 258-3152, rbasu@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 (April 26, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announces its endorsement of Republican State Sen. Tony Strickland  for U.S. Representative in California’s 26th Congressional District. Citing his strong and consistent leadership on animal protection policies in the state legislature, the Humane Society Legislative Fund urges voters in the primary and in the general election to support Strickland.

“Tony Strickland has been a leader on animal issues, especially so within the Republican caucus in the state Senate,” said Wayne Pacelle, executive vice president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “He’s been a big factor in California cementing its place as the top state in the country on animal welfare policies, and we are looking forward to working with him on national policy in Congress.”

Strickland serves as the co-chair of the Animal Protection Caucus in the California legislature. 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 (AB 376), to reduce the demand for finning millions of sharks and leaving them to suffer and die at sea. 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 about pet adoption.

Though the 26th district has new lines, it overlaps considerably with the current 24th Congressional district, which has been represented for 25 years by Rep. Elton Gallegly. Rep. Gallegly has been one of the leading advocates for animal protection in the House, and is co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus.

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.