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Animal Welfare

I care deeply about all of our planet’s animals and have supported the humane treatment of animals throughout my career.

Since taking office, I have written to various government agencies asking them to look into different allegations of inhumane treatment of animals in laboratory research projects. I strongly believe that the "Animal Welfare Act," which was enacted to protect animals, should be strictly enforced, and I will continue to do all I can to see this happen.

My Record In Support of the Humane Treatment of Animals

I have also voted for and cosponsored many, many pieces of legislation to protect animals and ensure that they are treated properly. Specifically, I have:

• Cosponsored legislation in opposition to the sale, slaughter, and eventual human consumption of horses;
  
  
• Supported efforts to stop the inhumane practice known as a “canned hunt,” where a hunter can pay a fee to kill a captive animal in a fenced enclosure. Even 65% of sportsmen oppose canned hunts, according to Field and Stream Magazine, because the hunts lack any element of "fair chase" and defy commonly held hunting ethics;
  
  
• Proudly cosponsored a related bill to establish penalties for knowingly administering a computer-assisted remote canned hunt. This cruel and inhumane practice involves the use of a computer or other device, equipment, or software to allow a person to remotely control the aiming and discharge of a weapon to kill or injure an animal while not in the targeted animal's physical presence; and
  
  
• Cosponsored legislation to strengthen penalties for illegal animal fighting by creating felony-level penalties for this brutal activity.

Increased Funding for Animal Inspectors to Work with Law Enforcement Personnel

As a Member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and as part of my ongoing dedication to the humane treatment of animals, I will continue to support increased funds for the hiring and training of animal inspectors who work closely with foreign and domestic law enforcement personnel to put an end to the mistreatment of animals.

Posted January 12, 2006