Animal welfare groups support legislation to protect primates and people from dangerous and inhumane trade

WASHINGTON (March 30, 2012) -- The Humane Society of the United States, the Humane Society Legislative Fund and Born Free USA commend U.S. Reps. Michael Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., for introducing H.R. 4306, the Captive Primate Safety Act, which amends the Lacey Act to prohibit interstate commerce in monkeys, apes and other nonhuman primates for the exotic pet trade.
 
The risk of keeping primates as pets has been illustrated time and time again, including the 2009 attack by a pet chimpanzee viciously mauling and disfiguring a Connecticut woman, who as a result required a full face transplant surgery.  Last October  in Zanesville, Ohio, a macaque monkey suspected of carrying herpes-B was released – along with around 50 other dangerous exotic ‘pets’ – by the owner of a private menagerie who then shot himself. While people cowered indoors and schools closed, law enforcement was forced to spend valuable resources hunting down escaped animals.
 
Since 1990, more than 200 people – including dozens of children – have been injured by primates, and many more incidents likely went unreported. Primates also pose disease risks, including transmission of Ebola, tuberculosis and herpes-B.
 
“Until Congress takes action, dangerous primates will continue to be sold over the Internet and this trafficking will put communities at risk across the country. These highly social and intelligent creatures deserve better than to languish in bedrooms and basements,” said Michael Markarian, chief program and policy officer of The Humane Society of the United States. “We are grateful to Congressmen Fitzpatrick and Blumenauer for working to pass this urgently needed public safety and animal welfare measure.”
 
In 2003, the Captive Wildlife Safety Act was signed into law to prohibit interstate commerce in lions, tigers and other big cats as pets. Because primates face similar inhumane treatment and pose similar threats to public health and safety, animal protection advocates seek to add them to the list of species prohibited in commercial trade.
 
“The stories about chimpanzees harming not just their owners, but also innocent bystanders, grab headlines and tend to be widely reported. However, even smaller primates can carry disease and potentially pose a threat to public health and well-being,” said Fitzpatrick. “This law is about protecting the public as well as the animals who are often trafficked under very inhumane circumstances.”
 
“The last few years demonstrate the continued need for a strengthening of the Lacey Act in many areas, particularly when dealing with large primates, whose at times deadly impact on their human companions has been documented too many times in the past three years,” said Blumenauer. “Preventing these tragedies going forward should be a key priority for this Congress, and I look forward to working with Rep. Fitzpatrick on the House side and Senator Boxer on the Senate side to protect our public health and safety.”
 
“The recent tragedy in Ohio put a spotlight on the enormous danger and suffering involved when exotic animals are kept in private possession,” said Adam Roberts, executive vice president of Born Free USA. “Yet, even after this incident and many more, the captive primate trade continues to flourish. There is no excuse for keeping exotics in private hands. Congress must pass the Captive Primate Safety Act now.”
 
Roughly half of the states already prohibit private possession of primates as pets, but primates are easily obtained via the Internet and through out-of-state dealers and auctions, making federal legislation necessary to support the efforts of state law enforcement.
 
The Captive Primate Safety Act is narrowly crafted to target the commerce in and private possession of primates, and would not impact zoos, universities or wildlife sanctuaries. The HSUS, HSLF and Born Free USA are calling on Congress to move the legislation expeditiously so it can be signed into law this year. This legislation was approved by the full House and by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee during the last congressional session, but was not enacted into law.
 
A Senate version of the Captive Primate Safety Act, S. 1324, was introduced last July by U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., David Vitter, R-La., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.

Media contacts: Anna West, (301) 258-1518, awest@humanesociety.org
Rodi Rosensweig, (203) 270-8929, publicrelations@bornfreeusa.org

##

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

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 (March 29, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal welfare, announces its endorsement of  Dina Titus in the Democratic primary for Nevada’s 1st Congressional District. Citing her strong and consistent support of animal protection policies, the Humane Society Legislative Fund urges primary voters to support Titus.

“Dina Titus has been a strong supporter of animal protection policies during her career in public service, and would continue to stand up for the values of kindness and compassion in Washington,” said Sara Amundson, executive director of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “We encourage voters in the 1st District who care about the humane treatment of animals to support Dina Titus.”

Titus has been a leading supporter for animal protection. Among her efforts when she previously served in the U.S. Congress, Titus has:

• Sponsored a resolution to promote the adoption of wild horses and burros.
• Co-sponsored the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act, which passed in 2010 and banned commerce in videos showing the intentional torture of puppies, kittens and other live animals for the sexual titillation of viewers (P.L. 111-294).
• Co-sponsored the Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act, 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 Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act, to crack down on abusive “puppy mills” in the United States, where breeding dogs are often stacked in wire cages for years to produce litter after litter, without exercise, veterinary care, socialization or human companionship.
• Co-sponsored the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, to prohibit the long-distance transport (including export) of horses for slaughter for human consumption in other countries where horse meat is eaten.
• Voted to establish a program at Veterans Administration medical centers for veterans with post-deployment mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder to train service dogs as a form of therapy, and the trained dogs would assist veterans with disabilities.
• Voted to restore the prohibition on the commercial sale and slaughter of free-roaming horses and burros.
• Voted to prohibit interstate and foreign commerce in primates for the pet trade, protecting public health and safety and preventing inhumane treatment and neglect.

Titus recently spoke out in favor of  common-sense animal protection policies, writing in a blog, “I have always been a strong defender of animals, wild and domestic. I hope you join me in ensuring Nevada’s animals are treated with kindness and given appropriate care.”

Media contact: Heather Sullivan, (301) 548-7778, hsullivan@hslf.org

###

HSLF is a nonpartisan organization that evaluates candidates based only on a single criterion: where they stand on animal welfare. HSLF does not judge candidates based on party affiliation or any other issue.

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

Paid for by Humane Society Legislative Fund and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. HSLF, 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 455, Washington, DC 20037.

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

SACRAMENTO (March 20, 2012) -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund is releasing its California State Humane Scorecard for the 2011 state legislative session. The scorecard provides a snapshot of California state lawmakers’ records on animal welfare policies. Lawmakers are scored based on their floor votes on bills addressing such issues as animal fighting, microchipping shelter dogs, the road-side sales of animals, vaccinations, shark finning, spaying and neutering, animal cruelty and licensing.

"The California State Humane Scorecard provides an easy way for constituents to assess how their lawmakers acted on animal protection issues, and it helps chart the progress of our public policy work on behalf of animals in the state," said Sara Amundson, executive director of The Humane Society Legislative Fund. "In 2011, California lawmakers passed bills to upgrade the state’s anti-cockfighting law and to prohibit the sale of shark of fins, providing a much-needed protection against a very cruel practice. The anti-cruelty laws of a state are a reflection of our basic values and attitudes toward animals, and this collection of bills is a measurable step forward for the state of California."

The Humane Society Legislative Fund tracked nine bills during the session: S.B. 425, which increases fines for cockfighting, creating parity with dogfighting; S.B. 426, which defines repeat animal fighting as a nuisance; S.B. 702, which requires released shelter animals to be microchipped; S.B. 917, which bans the road-side sale of animals and increases the penalties for animal neglect; A.B. 258, which creates an exemption for rabies vaccinations for compromised dogs; A.B. 376, which prohibits the sale shark fin; A.B. 564, which re-establishes the Municipal Shelter Spay-Neuter Fund; A.B. 1117, which limits ownership of animals by convicted criminals; and A.B. 1121, which addresses barriers to licensing and improves funding for animal care/control activities.

Seven of the nine bills including S.B. 425, S.B. 426, S.B. 917, A.B. 258, A.B. 376, A.B. 564, and A.B. 1117, were signed into law in 2011. With the passage of these laws, California is now ranked No. 1 on The Humane Society of the United States’ “Humane State Ranking” of animal protection laws, a title it also held for 2010.

Highlights from the 2011 California Humane Scorecard include:

• Of the 119 members of the legislature scored, 44 received perfect 100 or 100+ percent scores--indicating a vote in support of animal protection for all nine scored bills, including 11 senators and 33 assemblymembers.
• Five members received more than 100 percent, reflecting their support of animal protection in all nine bills, as well as primary leadership on at least one of the scored bills. These members are: Assemblyman Paul Fong,D-22, Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani,D-17, Assemblyman Jared Huffman,D-06, Assemblyman Richard Pan, D-05, and Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, R-38.
• The average score for both senators and assemblymembers was 82.
• No senator scored less than 44 percent and 15 assemblymembers scored a 56 percent or less.
• The average passage rate was 88 percent, suggesting strong support for all nine bills.
• There are 26 members of the legislative animal protection caucus.

Media contact: Katie Jarl, (301) 258-1483, kjarl@hslf.org

##

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

One-Year Enforcement Grace Period Ends March 18

WASHINGTON (March 15, 2012) -- The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund put retailers on alert: starting Sunday, March 18, retailers could be subject to fines and jail time if they sell animal fur-trimmed garments without proper information in advertising and on labels as required by  the Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-313).

“Retailers should check their shelves and websites to ensure that any animal fur garments are properly advertised and labeled—which includes providing the species and country of origin of the animal, even on fur trim,” said Michael Markarian, chief program and policy officer for The Humane Society of the United States. “We urge the Federal Trade Commission to aggressively pursue fur advertising and labeling scofflaws, both to protect consumers and to create a level playing field for law-abiding retailers.”

The legislation, which was signed by President Obama in December 2010, closed a loophole in the six-decade-old federal fur labeling law that previously allowed many fur-trimmed garments to go unlabeled if the value of the animal fur material was $150 or less. This loophole left consumers in the dark as to whether they were buying faux or real animal fur. March 18, 2012 marks the end of the Federal Trade Commission’s one-year enforcement grace period for any previously exempt garments that were already in retail stores.

Over the past several years, HSUS investigations have found scores of jackets trimmed with animal fur being sold at many major retailers across the country without labels or falsely advertised as "faux fur." Raccoon dog fur is the most commonly unlabeled, falsely advertised, and misrepresented species found being sold in the U.S., and there is documentation of this animal being skinned alive in China.

The HSUS and Humane Society Legislative Fund expressed their thanks to the sponsors of the 2010 legislation—Sens. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., Susan Collins, R-Maine, and David Vitter, R-La., and Reps. Jim Moran, D-Va., Mary Bono Mack, R-Calif., and Ed Whitfield, R-Ky.—for their leadership on this critical animal welfare and consumer protection issue, and to President Obama for signing the new policy into law.

Facts:

• In November 2011, The HSUS filed a legal petition with the FTC detailing evidence of 15 different animal fur-trimmed items falsely advertised as “faux”— more than half of which were unlabeled.
• Gucci Group, Burberry, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Buffalo Exchange, Overstock.com, Ed Hardy, Victoria Bartlett, Charlotte Ronson, and Andrew Marc, among other retailers and designers, endorsed closing the fur labeling loophole.
• The Truth in Fur Labeling Act had 171 bipartisan cosponsors in the House, and 34 bipartisan cosponsors in the Senate. It passed the House by voice vote and the Senate by unanimous consent.   
• The HSUS testified in favor of The Truth in Fur Labeling Act at a House subcommittee hearing on May 13.

Media contact: Jordan Crump, (301) 548-7793, jcrump@humanesociety.org

##

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

Sen. David Vitter and Congressman Sam Farr Take Top Awards; 125 other Members of Congress Recognized

WASHINGTON (March 7, 2012) -- The Humane Society of the United States, the nation’s largest animal protection organization, and its affiliate, the Humane Society Legislative Fund, have announced the recipients of the congressional Humane Awards for 2011.

Top honors as 2011 Humane Legislators of the Year will go to:

• Sen. David Vitter, R-La., for his leadership on securing needed funding to strengthen USDA enforcement of key animal welfare laws, as well as on bills to require licensing and inspections of puppy mills selling directly to the public via the Internet or other means (the PUPS Act, S. 707) and to prohibit interstate and foreign commerce in nonhuman primates for the pet trade (the Captive Primate Safety Act, S. 1324). Sen. Vitter helped get a bipartisan group of 34 Sens. to join in seeking funding for USDA to improve its oversight of puppy mills, laboratories, zoos, circuses and other regulated facilities; rein in the illegal “soring” of show horses (where trainers inflict severe pain on the animals’ legs and hooves to make it hurt them to step down, so they will exaggerate their high-stepping gait and win prizes); strengthen enforcement of the humane slaughter law; prevent illegal animal fighting; ease a shortage of veterinarians in rural areas and USDA positions through student loan repayment; and help address the needs of animals in disasters. Sen. Vitter also has been a champion over the years on legislation to require accurate labeling of fur apparel regardless of dollar value, to crack down on dogfighting and cockfighting, to ban the creation and distribution of obscene animal torture (“crush”) videos, and to strengthen the law against shark finning (cutting the fins off and throwing the rest of the living animals back in the water).
• Congressman Sam Farr, D-Calif., for his leadership, as the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, securing significant increases in funding to strengthen USDA enforcement of key animal welfare laws, as well as on bills to improve treatment of egg-laying hens and promote stability for egg farmers (the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments, H.R. 3798) and to require licensing and inspections of puppy mills selling directly to the public via the Internet or other means (the PUPS Act, H.R. 835). Rep. Farr played a pivotal role in approving a USDA request to reprogram $4 million of FY 2011 funding so that the agency could address serious shortfalls in its oversight of puppy mills, identified by USDA’s own Inspector General, as well as obtaining a $5 million increase in USDA’s FY 2012 funding to enforce the Animal Welfare Act, which covers puppy mills, laboratories, zoos, circuses and other regulated facilities. Rep. Farr’s long history on this effort – he led the initial push for increased AWA funding back in 1999 and offered key guidance in the ensuing years – has been very successful. In the 1990s, AWA funding was stagnant at about $9 million per year; for FY 2012, Congress provided $27 million. In addition, Rep. Farr provided critical help last year winning enactment of a 40 percent increase in funding for the Horse Protection Act, the law that prohibits soring of show horses (the first time in decades that HPA enforcement, also strongly criticized by USDA’s Inspector General, received more than $500,000). Rep. Farr also earned a perfect score on the 2011 Humane Scorecard, and has championed animal protection dating from his service in the California Legislature.

“We commend Senator Vitter and Congressman Farr for their extraordinary leadership in advancing key animal protection laws and assuring that they are properly enforced,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. “They are determined advocates, and they both recognize that our society has a responsibility to care for other creatures and to show them mercy.”

Every year, the Humane Society Legislative Fund compiles a federal Humane Scorecard to provide a snapshot of animal protection issues considered by the U.S. Congress and give animal advocates a tool to assess the performance of their Senators and Representatives. The scorecard tracks key votes as well as co-sponsorship of important pro-animal bills and support for adequate funding needed to enforce key animal welfare laws.

For 2011, in addition to the top awards for Sen. Vitter and Rep. Farr:

• Humane Champion awards will go to 28 legislators who took the lead on animal welfare legislation and also received a perfect score on the 2011 Humane Scorecard.
• Legislative Leader awards will go to 64 legislators for their leadership as prime sponsors of pro-animal legislation.
• Humane Advocate awards will go to 33 legislators who received a perfect score on the 2011  Humane Scorecard.

In total, 127 legislators – nearly one-third of the Senate and one-quarter of the House (representing 38 states, three U. S. territories, and the District of Columbia) – will receive awards for their work in 2011. See the complete list of 2011 awardees.

“It is heartening to see again how animal protection issues bring Members of Congress together across party lines,” said HSLF President Michael Markarian. “We thank these leaders for their outstanding work to ensure that our federal laws reflect the core humane values and attitudes of American society.”

Previous recipients of the Humane Legislator of the Year Award include Reps. Elton Gallegly, R-Calif., and James Moran, D-Va., in 2010, Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., in 2009, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., in 2008, Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., in 2007, Rep. Chris Shays, R-Conn., in 2006, and Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., in 2005..

Media contacts: Heather Sullivan, (301) 548-7778, hsullivan@hslf.org

##

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###

HSLF is a nonpartisan organization that evaluates candidates based only on a single criterion: where they stand on animal welfare. HSLF does not judge candidates based on party affiliation or any other issue.

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

Paid for by Humane Society Legislative Fund and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. HSLF, 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 455, Washington, DC 20037.

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

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

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

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

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

###

HSLF is a nonpartisan organization that evaluates candidates based only on a single criterion: where they stand on animal welfare. HSLF does not judge candidates based on party affiliation or any other issue.

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

Paid for by Humane Society Legislative Fund and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. HSLF, 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 455, Washington, DC 20037.

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

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

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

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

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

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

###

HSLF is a nonpartisan organization that evaluates candidates based only on a single criterion: where they stand on animal welfare. HSLF does not judge candidates based on party affiliation or any other issue.

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

Paid for by Humane Society Legislative Fund and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. HSLF, 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 455, Washington, DC 20037.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###

HSLF is a nonpartisan organization that evaluates candidates based only on a single criterion: where they stand on animal welfare. HSLF does not judge candidates based on party affiliation or any other issue.

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

Paid for by Humane Society Legislative Fund and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. HSLF, 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 455, Washington, DC 20037.

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

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

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

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

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

###

HSLF is a nonpartisan organization that evaluates candidates based only on a single criterion: where they stand on animal welfare. HSLF does not judge candidates based on party affiliation or any other issue.

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

Paid for by Humane Society Legislative Fund and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. HSLF, 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 455, Washington, DC 20037.