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| Nebraska Sen. Vickie McDonald received an award for championing the cause of spaying/neutering and microchipping dangerous dogs. © The HSUS |
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With a record breaking 93 new state laws, 2008 was an historic year for animals in state legislatures.
In recognition of these victories, The HSUS presented the Humane Legislator Award to 36 state lawmakers across the country who have initiated path-breaking animal protection legislation and demonstrably advanced reform in the policy-making arena. Find out if your legislators were champions for animals in 2008.
"We are pleased to have such an impressive list of state champions of animal protection and are thrilled to honor them as 2008 Humane State Legislators," said Michael Markarian, executive vice president of The HSUS. "We look forward to working with them and future recipients to make more advances for the humane treatment of animals."
Lifetime Legislators for Animals
In addition to our annual awards, this year The HSUS instituted a lifetime achievement award to recognize two legislators who have spent years in their respective states working toward a more humane world for animals.
Nebraska state senator Ernie Chambers was recognized for his longtime efforts in animal protection as the first recipient of the State Legislator Lifetime Achievement Award.
Chambers has been integral in upgrading the state's animal cruelty statutes and banning trapping on county roads in Nebraska. He has also spoken eloquently on the need for inspectors at puppy mills, protecting the Nebraska State Constitution from frivolous and unnecessary amendments on sport hunting and trapping, and a range of other animal welfare issues.
"I am honored to accept the Humane Society of the United States lifetime achievement award..." said Senator Chambers. "My whole life has revolved around animals, and this award is one of the most special awards I have ever received ... thank you."
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| Rep. Bob Molaro receives the Lifetime Achievement Award for his continuous efforts to protect Illinois' animals. © The HSUS |
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Illinois state representative Bob Molaro also received the lifetime achievement award for his legislative efforts to successfully ban canned hunts and the slaughter of horses for human consumption in Illinois. He has been a tireless advocate for the animals and has never strayed from a fight for what is right.
Every year, more and more state lawmakers are taking animal protection seriously and are supporting humane public policies. Find out if your state lawmakers were leaders in advocating animal welfare issues in 2008.
