Protecting Animals

Congresswoman Lowey believes that the humane treatment of animals is among the responsibilities of a decent society.

Since coming to Congress in 1989, Rep. Lowey has compiled a nearly flawless record of support for the Humane Society’s legislative objectives. As a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus, Lowey has supported increases for the Animal Welfare Act and fought to ensure that federal funds are not used for inappropriate or questionable animal research or experimentation. Rep. Lowey was a cosponsor of the Animal Fighting Prohibition Act, which was signed into law, to strengthen enforcement of provisions that protect against animal fighting. She also introduced the Inhumane Trapping Prevention Act, to end to the use of steel-jaw leghold traps.

Rep. Lowey is also a cosponsor of bills to end the slaughter of horses for human consumption; require humane euthanasia for downed animals so that they do not suffer when they are transported to stockyards; and toughen sentencing guidelines for dog fighting crimes.