March 5, 2010
 
Byrd Receives Animal Welfare Award from HSUS
 
Special to Huntingtonnews.net
 
Washington, DC (HNN) – Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., on Wednesday, March 3 received an animal welfare leadership award from the Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund for his leadership on animal protection legislation in 2009.
 
Byrd was honored as a Legislative Leader for his leadership on supporting a USDA rule to ban downer cattle from entering the human food supply; calling on the Department of Defense to rethink its use of live primates for training related to chemical and biological agents, and requiring the federal government to allow for the adoption of retired service horses. Byrd also worked with his colleagues on a bill to revamp the Department of Interior’s management of wild horses on public lands.
 
“We commend Senator Byrd for taking the lead in seeking to strengthen federal animal welfare policies,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. “We’re lucky to have his powerful voice on behalf of the animals and the many citizens who care about their protection.”
 
“I am deeply gratified with this award from the Humane Society,” said Byrd. “When it comes to God’s creatures, I believe government has an important role to play in protecting innocent creatures that are unable to protect themselves.”
 
“The Congress can always be more aggressive, by conducting more hearings and bringing more attention to the issues of animal rights and animal welfare. I will continue to advocate for legislation to prevent horse slaughter, to encourage animal adoption, and to ensure the humane treatment of all animals. This is an issue that is very close to my heart, and I will continue to speak out and fight to promote the humane treatment of animals.”