Simmons Receives Award From The Humane Society

Rep. Rob Simmons, R-Conn. 2nd District, was recognized by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) for his legislative efforts to protect the welfare of animals.  Rep. Simmons received a perfect score of 100 on the organization's Humane Scorecard.

"As an owner of four dogs, I am very proud to be a recipient of this award," said Simmons. "This Congress has made progress on several animal protection issues, and I am proud to support these initiatives."

Simmons was recognized for his pro-animal actions in Congress including cosponsoring legislative measures.

The Humane Society signaled out Simmons for his leadership as the lead Republican sponsor of H.R. 1329, the "Captive Primate Safety Act," which seeks to prohibit the interstate commerce in dangerous apes and monkeys for the pet trade.  Some 15,000 primates are in private hands, and recent high-profile attacks, as well as disease threats, underscore the need for this legislation.

For 2005-the first session of the 109th Congress-the HSUS scored members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives on their votes on horse slaughter; 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; their signing of a letter requesting funding for enforcement of animal welfare laws; and their leadership on animal legislation.

In Connecticut, Sens. Dodd and Lieberman and Reps. DeLauro, Shays, and Simmons all received perfect scores of 100 on the Humane Scorecard.