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Connolly Receives ‘Humane Champion' Award

Washington, DC, May 21, 2013
Rep. Connolly has earned the "Humane Champion" Award from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) for his leadership on legislative efforts to prevent animal cruelty and promote initiatives to improve the lives of animals. Read more.
Congressman Gerry Connolly has earned the “Humane Champion” Award from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) for his leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives on legislative efforts to prevent animal cruelty and promote initiatives to improve the lives of animals.
“Representative Connolly has been a committed leader on humane legislation in the U.S. Congress,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. “He has made it a priority to tackle cruelty and cultivate constructive solutions to improve the lives of animals. His dedication to advocating on behalf of animals speaks volumes about his character.”
Connolly was honored by HSUS for his work on animal protection issues in 2012.  The Virginia Democrat received a 100 percent rating from the organization for his leadership and for his voting record on issues pertaining to the humane treatment of animals.  “These are issues that transcend partisan politics and are important to many Virginians,” Connolly said. “I am honored to receive this award from an organization that has done so much to reduce animal cruelty over the last six decades,” Connolly said.
“We thank Representative Connolly for his outstanding work to ensure that our federal laws reflect the core humane values and attitudes of American society,” said Humane Society Legislative Fund President Michael Markarian.
Connolly will receive the HSUS “Humane Champion” award in a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday evening.
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The award announcement from the Human Society of the United States follows:                                 

U.S. Rep. Connolly Honored for Animal Welfare Leadership in 2012

(May 22, 2013) — The Humane Society of the United States, together with its affiliate the Humane Society Legislative Fund, will present an award to U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., for his leadership on animal protection legislation in 2012.

Rep. Connolly will receive a Humane Champion award for earning a perfect score on the 2012 Humane Scorecard and for his leadership on covering additional species under the Animal Welfare Act. 

“Representative Connolly has been a committed leader on humane legislation in the U.S. Congress,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. “He has made it a priority to tackle cruelty and cultivate constructive solutions to improve the lives of animals. His dedication to advocating on behalf of animals speaks volumes about his character.”

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 signing an annual letter seeking funds needed to enforce key animal welfare laws. For 2012, House ratings included votes on agribusiness subsidies, polar bear trophy imports and hunting in national parks, and co-sponsorship of priority bills on eggs and hen housing, chimpanzees warehoused in laboratories, animal fighting and puppy mills. 

“Animal protection issues continue to bring Members of Congress together across party lines, and have the strong support of mainstream Americans,” said HSLF President Michael Markarian. “We thank Representative Connolly for his outstanding work to ensure that our federal laws reflect the core humane values and attitudes of American society.”

HSUS and HSLF will present the award at a reception on Wednesday, May 22 from 5:00 to 7:30 pm in Room H-137 of the U.S. Capitol.

HSUS Media Contact:  Heather Sullivan: 301-548-7778; hsullivan@humanesociety.org

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The Humane Society of the United Statesis 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.
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