Congressional Animal Protection Caucus is Formed!

U.S. House of Representatives Press Release

Moran and Gallegly to Co-Chair Congressional Animal Protection Caucus

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 18, 2009 – Reps. Jim Moran (D-VA) and Elton Gallegly (R-CA) announced today that they will co-chair the newly formed “Congressional Animal Protection Caucus (CAPC),” a bipartisan organization committed to raising awareness of animal welfare issues in Congress. CAPC replaces the Friends of Animals Caucus that existed in previous Congresses.

Through non-partisan forums and briefings, CAPC will seek to highlight important issues affecting animals and upcoming animal welfare legislation. CAPC will also track the progress of relevant legislation, provide members of Congress with dependable information, and attempt to build broad coalitions in support of common-sense, humane animal welfare laws.

In the 110th Congress, the caucus was instrumental in the passing tougher animal fighting legislation, and tightening animal welfare regulations in the 2008 Farm Bill. Priorities for the 111th Congress include legislation banning the slaughter of horses, stronger regulations on Internet sales of puppies, and legislation requiring accurate labels on all fur products.

Rep. Moran stated, “Animals are sensate beings that deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. I look forward to building a consensus among my colleagues in support of sensible animal welfare laws that reflect our common values. Protecting animals from cruel treatment is not a partisan issue.”

“Animal cruelty has no place in a civilized society,” Rep. Gallegly said. “Other crimes often go hand-in-hand with animal fighting, including illegal gambling, drug trafficking and acts of human violence. Virtually every arrest for animal cruelty has also led to additional arrests for at least one of these criminal activities.”

"The American public is united in its belief that all animals deserve humane treatment," said Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "The newly constituted Congressional Animal Protection Caucus will help better align our federal policies with public opinion, and we are excited to work closely with its leaders and with the entire Congress to combat cruelty and abuse."


Austin J. Durrer
Deputy AA/Communications Director
Office of Rep. Jim Moran (VA-08)
2239 RHOB
Washington D.C. 20515
202-225-4376
(c) 202-957-6075

Governor Charlie Crist Officially Proclaims 1st Annual Florida Week for the Animals

February 7-15, 2009!

Florida Week for the Animals is an exciting statewide event created to celebrate and build awareness for the animals.

(Tallahassee, Florida) Animal World USA is pleased to announce the 1st Florida Week for the Animals, to be held from Saturday, February 7- Sunday, February 15, 2009 has been officially proclaimed by Governor Charlie Crist. The special week which will kick off Saturday, February 7th will highlight the importance that animals play in our lives and bring communities together on behalf of the animals throughout the state of Florida.

This first statewide event is designed to celebrate and build awareness on behalf of all animals, as well as, recognize the organizations and citizens who support them. Florida Week for the Animals is bringing together animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, businesses, students, musicians, artists, educators, community leaders, and caring citizens in an exciting week of community-building activities.

The fun-filled week will feature pet adoption events, pet therapy in hospitals, a salute to animals in law enforcement and the military, school/art displays and activities, R.E.A.D. dogs in libraries, blessings of the animals, golf outings, art exhibits, low cost spay and neuter events, walks for animals and much more! All these events will shine the spotlight on the amazing animals and compassionate people who love them.

Precious lives which will be saved and communities will be transformed in this week with the variety of animal-related activities and events. Over eighty events are scheduled on the website calendar, and more are being added daily. Animal World USA Weeks for the Animals campaign is kicking off 2009 with Florida, and the Weeks for the Animals National Campaign Manager Patricia Haddock says, “We are overwhelmed at the response Florida has demonstrated in coming together for the greater good. We are very grateful for Governor Crist for proclaiming the week which lends added significance.”

If you would like to learn more, be involved or schedule an event, please call 877-454-0807 or visit the official website at http://www.floridaanimalweek.com/