WASHINGTON — In recognition of those in law enforcement who made the most meaningful progress against animal abusers in the last year, The Humane Society of the United States honored law enforcement agencies from across the country during its third annual Humane Law Enforcement Awards ceremony on Saturday.
The nation's largest animal protection organization honored Morrill County, Neb., Sheriff John Edens, for his investigation of a massive cruelty case involving more than 200 neglected mustangs.
"Sheriff John Edens acted immediately after learning that hundreds of wild mustangs in his county were being neglected and starved at a supposed animal sanctuary," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "We are proud to present Sheriff Edens with this award for his intervention to help animals and to bring their abusers to justice."
Other 2009 Humane Law Enforcement Award recipients are:
- New Mexico Attorney General Gary King and Dona Ana County Sheriff Todd Garrison for their work in combating illegal animal fighting and cruelty.
- Alabama's Fifth Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office and Drug Task Force, for a major cockfighting bust and two dogfighting raids.
- Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller, for his groundbreaking use of tax law to close down a cruel puppy mill and rescue hundreds of dogs.
- Monmouth County, N.J., SPCA Chief Law Enforcement Officer Victor "Buddy" Amato, for his tireless commitment to enforcing New Jersey's animal cruelty law.
- Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Calif., for his role in the passage of the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act in 2007 in addition to his continued leadership on animal fighting and animal cruelty issues, such as crush videos.
- Chief prosecutor for the South Carolina state grand jury Jennifer Evans for her leadership resulting in nearly 30 prosecutions of South Carolina dogfighters — an unprecedented accomplishment for ridding the state of this violent crime.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at humanesociety.org.
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