WASHINGTON - Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) was honored by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in an October publication for his outstanding commitment to animal welfare.  Kildee was one of only three Michigan members of Congress to receive a perfect score of 100 on the organization’s Humane Scorecard.  The HSUS evaluated the voting records and sponsorship of all 535 members of Congress to determine which legislators consistently support animal welfare issues.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive this commendation from the Humane Society of the United States for my voting record in the 109^th Congress,” said Kildee.  “My votes on these issues reflect my strong commitment to protecting animals from abuse, neglect and cruelty.”

Congressman Kildee, along with Senator Carl Levin (D-Detroit) and Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-Detroit), were the Michigan legislators honored for receiving scores of 100 on the Humane Scorecard for both sessions of the 109^th Congress.  The HSUS scores all members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives on their votes on banning the slaughter of horses for consumption overseas, their co-sponsorship of bills to crack down on animal fighting, provide better oversight at mass dog breeding “puppy mills,” and stop the sale of “downed” livestock who are too sick or injured to walk.  Members were also scored on adding their signature to a letter requesting funding for enforcement of animal welfare laws and their overall leadership on animal welfare legislation.

As a senior member of the House Resources Committee, Congressman Kildee has consistently worked to prevent cruelty to animals, leading efforts to successfully secure funding for conservation and preservation programs that help preserve and protect the fragile habitats of thousands of animals.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization representing more than 9.5 million members and constituents. The non-profit organization is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animal welfare.