Nation's Largest Animal Protection Organization Bestows Honor Today at Washington Humane Society
WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States today presented D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) with its Humane Legislator award in recognition of the D.C. Council's recent approval of legislation overhauling the city's animal welfare and control laws. The legislation, introduced by Cheh, is the culmination of an effort begun four years ago when she founded the Animal Welfare Project at the George Washington University School of Law with fellow law professor Joan Schaffner. Cheh is the first D.C. Councilmember to receive this award.
"For so many of us, animals are an important part of our daily lives, giving us joy, comfort, and protection," said Cheh. "We don't stand above animals, we live among them, and therefore we must give special attention to how we care for them. I am truly thrilled to receive this honor from the nation's premier animal-welfare organization."
"We are so grateful for the time and energy that Councilmember Cheh devoted to this important piece of humane legislation, an effort that predates her election to the D.C. Council," said Nancy Perry, The HSUS' vice president of government affairs. "For her determination to pass this law, and her longstanding commitment to animal welfare, The Humane Society of the United States is pleased to honor her with the Humane Legislator award."
"Councilmember Cheh was a persistent and driving force in ensuring the passage of this comprehensive animal welfare bill, which brings DC animal protection laws in line with some of the most progressive in the nation," said Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO of the Washington Humane Society, which hosted the presentation of the award today at its Behavior and Learning Center on Georgia Avenue. "She has helped send an important message to those who might harm animals that the District of Columbia will not tolerate animal abuse."
The bill, B17-89, was approved by the D.C. Council on July 15, and will take effect after a 60 day Congressional approval period and Mayor Adrian Fenty's signature. It contains a wide range of significant protections for animals. The new law:
- Allows courts to order counseling or forfeiture of the right to possess animals in cases of animal cruelty
- Allows courts to issue pet protection orders in cases of domestic violence
- Requires reporting of animal cruelty by law enforcement officers and child or protective services employees
- Makes it a felony to be a spectator at an animal fight
- Requires permits for commercial animal breeders
- Strengthens the district's laws regarding dangerous dogs
- Prohibits the seizure of animals from shelters for use in research
- Establishes licensing, immunization, insurance and notification requirements for commercial guard dogs
- Sets standards for animals kept in classrooms
- Requires the inclusion of domestic animals in a disaster plan
- Increases licensing fees
- Sets up a spay and neuter fund to assist lower-income residents in gaining access to these services for their pets.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. 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.
