Humane Society honors Rep. Hank Johnson

Congressman receives Animal Welfare Leadership Award for 2010 legislative work

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) will award Judiciary and House Armed Services Committee member Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) with its annual Legislative Leader award for his work in 2010.

The Humane Society praised Johnson for his leadership on appropriations language encouraging the Secretary of Defense to develop alternatives to the use of live animals in battlefield trauma training.

“Studies show that animals physically feel pain, just like humans,” said Johnson. “How we treat animals reflects our values as a society and stewardship of the planet. We must do all we can to treat animals with respect and kindness, and defeat animal cruelty wherever we can.”

Johnson received his award at a reception in the Capitol.

“Representative Johnson 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.”

Johnson announced today that he will cosponsor H.R. 403 in the 112th Congress, the Battlefield Excellence through Superior Training Practices Act or BEST Practices Act, which prohibits the use of animals in live combat trauma injury and chemical and biological training.

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