WASHINGTON, DC— On behalf of its 29,694 supporters in the 4th district of Connecticut, The Humane Society of the United States, together with its affiliate, the Humane Society Legislative Fund, has presented an award to U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) for his leadership on animal protection legislation in 2011. Rep. Himes received a Humane Advocate award for earning a perfect score on the 2011 Humane Scorecard.

“Representative Himes has been there for us on a wide range of critical humane issues,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. “We so appreciate having his steadfast support for animal protection.”

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 cosponsorship of important pro-animal bills and signing an annual letter seeking funds needed to enforce key animal welfare laws. For 2011, House ratings included votes on agribusiness subsidies, lethal predator control, and the Endangered Species Act, and cosponsorship of priority bills on puppy mills, horse slaughter, animal fighting, and chimpanzees warehoused in laboratories.

“As someone who considers our rescue lab Bella to be the fifth member of my family, I strongly believe in measures that honor the obligation to treat our fellow species with decency and respect,” Himes said. “Our government must take positive steps to ensure that public safety and the humane treatment of animals go hand in hand.”

“It is heartening to see again how animal protection issues bring Members of Congress together across party lines,” said HSLF President Michael Markarian. “We thank Rep. Himes for his outstanding work to ensure that our federal laws reflect the core humane values and attitudes of American society.”