Durbin: Humane Senator of the Year

Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin’s efforts to crack down on puppy mills and improve pet food safety earned him the title of 2008 Humane Senator of the Year.

The Humane Society of the United States, the nation’s largest animal protection organization with more than 11 million supporters nationwide, announced Wednesday the recognition of Mr. Durbin, Illinois Democrat, as part of its annual Humane Legislator Awards.

Rep. John Conyers Jr., Michigan Democrat and chairman of the Judiciary Committee, also picked up the title of Humane Representative of the Year for his leadership passing legislation to toughen federal laws against animal fighting, ban horse slaughter and establish a federal mechanism for tracking animal cruelty crimes.

“They have been in the forefront on so many of the most pressing threats facing the health and well-being of animals, and we are enormously grateful for their compassion and tenacity,” Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle said.

Mr. Durbin also was commended for his work banning puppy imports from foreign mills and ending the slaughter of downed animals for human consumption.

Mr. Pacelle and Michael Markarian, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, will present the awards Wednesday evening at a reception at the Capitol.

A total of 148 legislators — more than one-third of the Senate and one-quarter of the House — will receive awards for their work on behalf of animals in 2008.

“More members of Congress than ever before are helping forge a path to a more humane future through their demonstrated leadership on animal protection legislation each year,” Mr. Markarian said. “Our anti-cruelty laws are a reflection of our basic values and attitudes toward animals, and we thank these legislative leaders for taking measurable steps forward for animals in the United States.”

The honors include Humane Champion awards that will go to 30 legislators who exhibited leadership on an animal welfare issue, Legislative Leader awards that will go to 81 lawmakers for being lead sponsors of pro-animal bills, and Humane Advocate awards that will go to 35 legislators who received a perfect score on the 2008 Humane Scorecard.

Previous recipients of the Humane Legislator of the Year Award include Sen. John Ensign, Nevada Republican, former Rep. Christopher Shays, Connecticut Republican, and Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Oregon Democrat.