For the Reporter
Animals in Washington state have more protections today thanks to passage of animal cruelty prevention laws in 2015, sponsored by Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, who was recognized as Washington’s Legislator of the Year by the Humane Society of the United States.
“Critical animal protection measures such as SB 5501 affords our state Legislators the opportunity to work together to uphold core humane values shared by Washingtonians,” said Dan Paul, Washington state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “We at the Humane Society of the United States are deeply grateful to Sen. Fain for bringing this compassion to Olympia by giving animals a strong voice; and are honored to present him as our Humane Legislator of the Year for 2015.”
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization. For 60 years, it has celebrated the protection of all animals and confronted all forms of cruelty. The organization is also the nation’s largest provider of hands-on services for animals, caring for more than 100,000 animals each year, and preventing cruelty to millions more through advocacy campaigns.
“Animals deserve the same protection, respect and compassion that they provide us,” Fain said. “In addition to being part of the family, animals provide lessons in responsibility to young people and essential assistance to people with disabilities. If someone abuses animals it’s likely that they treat their fellow humans similarly. I’m humbled by this recognition and even more appreciative of the effective and passionate animal advocates in our state.”
The Animal Cruelty Prevention Act went into effect in July 2015 and expands first degree animal cruelty charges, increases protections against animal fighting and prohibits the unsafe confinement of animals in cars while making it easier for first responders to rescue them.
Fain also sponsored legislation this year to create a public statewide animal abuser registry. The proposal establishes a public online registry that would include convicted abuser’s name, address and photo for those guilty of first or second degree animal cruelty, animal fighting or poisoning.
