MEDIA RELEASE

On behalf of its more than 50,000 supporters in Hawaii, The Humane Society of the United States, together with its affiliate, the Humane Society Legislative Fund, has presented an award to U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii for his leadership on animal protection legislation in 2010.

Akaka received a Legislative Leader award last week for his leadership on legislation to stop Class B dealers from selling to research labs “random-source” dogs and cats (who may be stolen pets), and to require that slaughter facilities humanely euthanize animals too sick and injured to walk.

“Sen. Akaka has been an important voice for enhancing animal protection in federal law,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. “We’re grateful to him for taking the lead and drawing attention to these vital concerns.”

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.

In total, 146 legislators – more than one-third of the Senate and one-quarter of the House (representing 38 states and two U. S. territories) – will receive awards for their work in 2010.

“Time and again, we see animal protection issues bringing Members of Congress together and bridging partisan divides,” said HSLF President Michael Markarian. “We thank Sen. Akaka for his compassion and determination to ensure that our animal welfare laws reflect our basic values and attitudes shared by people across the country.”