On behalf of its 37,046 supporters in the 4th district of New Jersey, The Humane Society of the United States, together with its affiliate, the Humane Society Legislative Fund, will present an award to U.S. Rep. Christopher H. Smith R-N.J. for his leadership on animal protection legislation in 2011.
Rep. Smith will receive a Humane Champion award for earning a perfect score on the 2011 Humane Scorecard and for his leadership on the animal welfare enforcement funding letter for Agriculture Appropriations, and pet theft/Class B dealers.
“Rep. Smith has been a prominent voice in the U.S. Congress for safeguarding animals against abuse and advancing their protection,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. “We are deeply grateful for his being such a stalwart champion and consistent friend in our efforts to create a more humane world.”
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 2011, House ratings included votes on agribusiness subsidies, lethal predator control, and the Endangered Species Act, and co-sponsorship of priority bills on puppy mills, horse slaughter, animal fighting, and chimpanzees warehoused in laboratories.
In total, 127 legislators – nearly one-third of the Senate and one-quarter of the House (representing 38 states, 3 U. S. territories, and the District of Columbia) – will receive awards for their work in 2011. To see the complete list of 2011 awardees, please click here.
“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 Rep. Smith for his outstanding work to ensure that our federal laws reflect the core humane values and attitudes of American society.”
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Note: Smith was one of 25 members of the 435-member House to be named a "Champion."
