Humane Society Honors McCarthy for Animal Welfare Leadership in 2011

On behalf of its 28,611 supporters in the 4th Congressional district of New York, The Humane Society of the United States, together with its affiliate, the Humane Society Legislative Fund, presented an award to for her leadership on animal protection legislation in 2011.

McCarthy received the humane advocate award on March 7 for earning a perfect score on the 2011 humane scorecard.

“Representative McCarthy has been there for us on a wide range of critical humane issues,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the HSUS. “We so appreciate having her steadfast support for animal protection.”

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. For 2011, House ratings included votes on agribusiness subsidies, lethal predator control and the Endangered Species Act and co-sponsorship of priority bills on puppy mills, horse slaughter, animal fighting and chimpanzees warehoused in laboratories.

In total, 127 legislators – nearly one-third of the Senate and one-quarter of the House (representing 38 states, three U. S. territories, and the District of Columbia) – will receive awards for their work in 2011.

“It is heartening to see again how animal protection issues bring Members of Congress together across party lines,” said HSLF President Michael Markarian. “We thank Rep. McCarthy for her outstanding work to ensure that our federal laws reflect the core humane values and attitudes of American society.”