New Congressional Animal Protection Caucus Formed

New Congressional Animal Protection Caucus Formed
Wednesday February 18, 2009

A press release today from congressman Jim Moran (D-VA) announced that
he and and Elton Gallegly (R-CA) will co-chair this caucus. The CAPC
replaces the Congressional Friends of Animals Causus, co-chaired by Rep.
Christopher Shays (R-CT) and the late Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA).

Rep. Moran goes on to say:

“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."