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FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. Two animal rights groups recognized U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4th District, for his leadership in promoting animal protection legislation last year.
The Humane Society of the United States, with its affiliate the Humane Society Legislative Fund, gave Himes the Humane Advocate award for earning a perfect score on its 2011 Humane Scorecard.
Rep. Himes has been there for us on a wide range of critical humane issues, Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society, said in a statement. We so appreciate having his steadfast support for animal protection. It was heartening to see animal protection issues bring bipartisan Congressional members together, Pacelle said.
Every year, the Humane Society Legislative Fund compiles a federal Humane Scorecard to provide a snapshot of animal protection issues considered by Congress and give animal advocates a tool to assess the performance of their U.S. representatives.
The scorecard tracks key votes as well as co-sponsorship of important pro-animal bills and signing an annual letter seeking funds needed to enforce key animal welfare laws.
For 2011, the scorecards House ratings included votes on agribusiness subsidies, lethal predator control and the Endangered Species Act, as well as co-sponsorship of priority bills on puppy mills, horse slaughter, animal fighting and chimpanzees warehoused in laboratories.
As someone who considers our rescue lab Bella to be the fifth member of my family, I strongly believe in measures that honor the obligation to treat our fellow species with decency and respect, Himes said in a statement. Our government must take positive steps to ensure that public safety and the humane treatment of animals go hand in hand.
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