Source:  Press Release, 3/30/11

On behalf of its almost 20,000 supporters in North Carolina’s 6th district, The Humane Society of the United States, together with its affiliate, the Humane Society Legislative Fund, will present an award to U.S. Rep. Howard Coble, R-N.C., for his leadership on animal protection legislation in 2010.

Rep. Coble will receive a Legislative Leader award for his leadership on a resolution recognizing the role of law enforcement service dogs and their handlers in national security.

"Representative Coble has been an important voice for enhancing animal protection in federal law,"said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "We’re grateful to him for taking the lead and drawing attention to these vital concerns."

Every year, the Humane Society Legislative Fund compiles a federal Humane Scorecard to provide a snapshot of animal protection issues considered by the U.S. Congress and give animal advocates a tool to assess the performance of their Senators and Representatives. The scorecard tracks key votes as well as co-sponsorship of important pro-animal bills and signing an annual letter seeking funds needed to enforce key animal welfare laws.

In total, 146 legislators – more than one-third of the Senate and one-quarter of the House (representing 38 states and two U. S. territories) – will receive awards for their work in 2010. 

"Time and again, we see animal protection issues bringing Members of Congress together and bridging partisan divides," said HSLF President Michael Markarian. "We thank Rep. Coble for his compassion and determination to ensure that our animal welfare laws reflect our basic values and attitudes shared by people across the country."

HSUS and HSLF will present the award at an event on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, March 30