Humane Society Honors Vern Buchanan as 'Legislative Leader'

The U.S. Humane Society honored U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., with its Legislative Leader award on Tuesday night. Last week, Buchanan introduced a bill looking to ban slaughtering horses for human consumption and he has co-sponsored bills cracking down on animal fighting, restricting puppy mills being able to sell dogs on the Internet and other legislation regarding animals.

"We are tremendously grateful to Congressman Buchanan for his work to celebrate the human-animal bond, and to stop abuses such as animal fighting, shark finning, horse slaughter, the pet trade in large constrictor snakes, and inhumane factory farming practices," said Michael Markarian, the president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. "Congressman Buchanan has been at the forefront of federal policies to prevent animal cruelty and protect wildlife such as Floridas treasured manatees."

Buchanan saidhonored to receive the Humane Societys recognition.

Promoting the humane treatment of animals and preventing abuse is an issue we can all rally behind, Buchanan said.