Congressman Brad Sherman Receives Humane Champion Award from the Humane Society

Congressman Sherman Receives Humane Champion Award from Wayne Pacelle

Washington, DC – Congressman Brad Sherman today received the Humane Champion Award from the Humane Society of the United States. This is Congressman Sherman's fifth consecutive Humane Champion Award.

Sherman was given the award for his leadership efforts on an animal welfare issues and for his consistently perfect score on the Humane Society's Legislative Scorecard. The Humane Society was particularly appreciative of Sherman's leadership in introducing the Sportsmanship in Hunting Act (H.R. 2308), which would create a federal prohibition on Internet hunting and establish penalties for those who violate the prohibition. The legislation was strongly supported by the Humane Society.

"Congressman Sherman has been a prominent voice in the U.S. Congress for safeguarding animals against abuse and advancing their protection," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. "We are deeply grateful for his being such a stalwart champion and consistent friend in our efforts to create a more humane world."

The inhumane practice of Internet hunting, also called remote-controlled hunting, occurs when a customer uses a computer and the Internet to aim and fire a weapon that is mounted on a mechanized tripod at a remote location, usually a game ranch where the hunted animals are penned. Canned hunting, in which customers pay to shoot tame, exotic animals within the confines of an enclosure where the animals have no chance of escape, would also be banned by the bill. These practices are cruel and have no resemblance whatsoever to traditional hunting.

"We thank Rep. Sherman for his outstanding work to ensure that our federal laws reflect the core humane values and attitudes of American society," said Michael Markarian, President of the Humane Society Legislative Fund.

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