Animal Welfare Groups Applaud Naming Rep. John Campbell (R-Calif.) Co-Chair of Congressional Animal Protection Caucus

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and The Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF) applaud the naming of Rep. John Campbell (R-Calif.), who is joining Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.), as the new co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus (CAPC) for the 113th Congress. The CAPC is a bipartisan caucus committed to raising awareness of animal welfare issues in Congress. The four national animal welfare groups hosted a welcome reception for Rep. Campbell and the returning members of the CAPC on Capitol Hill on Feb. 5.

Rep. Campbell has been a key advocate for animal welfare issues by cosponsoring legislation that would end horse slaughter, crack down on puppy mills, and strengthen penalties against animal fighting. He has also been a leader on legislation to reform and bring oversight to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services, a little-known federal program that uses tax dollars to kill wildlife species for the benefit of private ranchers and homeowners. Last Congress, Rep. Campbell sponsored legislation that would ban two deadly poisons used by Wildlife Services. The indiscriminate use of these poisons places wildlife, pets, and humans at risk. 

"I am very pleased and honored to have the opportunity to work alongside of Congressman Moran in leading this important caucus," said Rep. Campbell. "I look forward to the opportunities the Caucus will have this year to come together in a bipartisan fashion to highlight the animal protection needs that remain unaddressed in this nation."

"I welcome Representative Campbell as co-chair of the Animal Protection Caucus," said Rep. Moran. "From cracking down on animal fighting to protecting threatened wildlife, the Caucus spearheads efforts to properly care for Earth's living creatures.  John has been an active member of the Caucus during his service in the House, and I look forward to working with him and our bipartisan group of 70 members to advance the humane treatment of all animals during the 113th Congress."

Rep. Jim Moran is a long time advocate for animal protection in Congress. In his time co-chairing the CAPC, he has led congressional efforts to improve the lives of animals through sponsorship and leadership of many key bills, including measures to increase penalties on animal fighting and to protect endangered species.  Last Congress, Rep. Moran introduced a resolution that expressed congressional opposition to the use of gas chambers for euthanasia in animal shelters, as well as a ban on spending taxpayer money to support horse slaughter. 

Formed in 2009, the CAPC, through non-partisan forums and briefings, seeks to highlight important issues affecting animals and upcoming animal welfare legislation. CAPC also tracks the progress of relevant legislation, provides members of Congress with dependable information, and attempts to build broad coalitions in support of common-sense, humane animal welfare laws.