To the editor:

The Humane Society Legislative Fund, a lobbying affiliate of the Humane Society of the United States, publishes its annual Humane Scorecard of Congress (https://hslf.org/humane-scorecard) to let voters know where their federal legislators stand on animal protection issues.  

The first half of the 118th legislative session saw the introduction of the Puppy Protection Act (H.R.1624) which raises the requisite standards of care provided by dog breeders and cracks down on puppy mills; the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, (H.R.3090) prohibiting the cruel practice of maiming Tennessee walking horses to achieve a stylized show gait; the Saving America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act (H.R.3475/S.2037) preventing the slaughter and exportation for slaughter of horses for human consumption; the Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) Act (H.R.5041/S.2555) strengthening the Department of Justice’s ability to enforce the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act; and the Humane Cosmetics Act (H.R.5399) prohibiting the manufacture and sale of cosmetics that have been tested on animals.

Kudos to our newest representatives, Seth Magaziner (also a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus) and Gabe Amo, who cosponsored each of these bills. While Amo succeeded David Cicilline too late in the session to earn a final score, he seized every opportunity to take a pro-animal position. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed joined Magaziner in the 100+ club, meaning that they took pro-animal positions on all items scored in the House or Senate and earned extra credit for leading on multiple legislative or regulatory efforts and priority measures. 

We are fortunate to have legislators who consider the welfare of animals as they work to improve the lives of their constituents.

Christa Albrecht-Vegas

259 Sprague St.

Portsmouth