Newsdate: Tue 05 May 2015 - 07:24 am
Location: WASHINGTON, DC

During early 2015, the Humane Society of the United States has made it a point to honor news and entertainment media for their work in reporting animal-protection issues.

Jon Steward - Genesis Award recipient

Thanks to media reporting and congressional action, the protection of animals has received much attention during the early months of 2015 as evidenced in awards presented by The Humane Society of the US for everything from legislating against horse soring to cracking down on animal fighting.
© 2015 by Adam M. Stump

In addition, members of Congress who have been involved in legislative pursuits protecting animals on many fronts—from cracking down on animal fighting to providing sanctuary for laboratory chimpanzees to protecting farm animals, horses and pets have received awards from the Humane Society.

Honoring the news and entertainment media for their outstanding reporting and creative portrayals of animal-protection issues, The HSUS recognized the best in media coverage for works aired or released in 2014 with Genesis Awards.

The 2015 Genesis Award Winners

Jon Stewart, Ricky Gervais, Leonardo DiCaprio, Morgan Spurlock, Bill Maher and Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow are among the celebrated media figures whose works have earned Genesis Awards in 2015.

Thanks to these and many other noteworthy media voices, the spotlight has fallen on the plight of endangered elephants, rhinos and gorillas and the cruelty of gestation crates, animal testing, pet overpopulation, puppy mills, horse slaughter and many other critical issues. We salute you all!

Members of Congress earning Top Humane Federal Legislator Awards

The Humane Society of the United States and its affiliate Humane Society Legislative Fund presented their 2014 Humane Legislator of the Year awards to Sens. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Reps. Jeff Denham, R-Calif., and Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., along with other recipients of the congressional Humane Awards for 2014.

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS, said: “This year’s honorees stand out as tireless champions for animals on many fronts—from cracking down on animal fighting to providing sanctuary for laboratory chimpanzees to protecting farm animals, horses and pets.

Many were also integral fending off the destructive ‘King Amendment’ that aimed to gut state animal welfare laws. We are thankful for their leadership in making the mainstream ideals of animal protection a priority in Washington.”   

Michael Markarian, president of HSLF, said: “Animal protection issues continue to bridge partisan divides and give Members of Congress the opportunity to work together to uphold core humane values shared by the overwhelming majority of Americans.

We are deeply grateful to all these leaders for bringing their compassion to the halls of Congress and giving animals a strong voice.”