Many people know I am a dog owner, and a pet lover.  My dog Trouble brings my family great joy and comfort.  After a long day of work, a happy wag of Trouble’s tail lessens my tension and reminds me of the remarkable, and unreserved, loyal nature of a dog.   

It is because of my love for animals that I find it alarming to learn that inhumane treatment of pets, and livestock, is still widespread and becoming more barbaric.  One need only follow recent news reports to uncover examples of persistent and remorseless animal cruelty.  In recent years we have seen high profile cases of dog fighting, examples of inhumane slaughter techniques, and sickening stories of individuals who abuse pets.  Such incidents can only lead to more deviant behavior.   

We should never tolerate cruelty toward any of God’s creatures.  God gave man dominion over the Earth, and we are only stewards of His planet.  In the Book of Genesis, First Chapter, we read:

And God made the beasts of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

We must be vigilant and stand up for the creatures who, since the beginning of civilization, work so hard to ease our burden, guard us against danger, and give us faithful and true companionship.  

Throughout history, dedicated individuals and organizations have done their part to bring the perils of pets and livestock to the attention of authorities.  In 1964, the Humane Society revealed the unscrupulous tactics of animal dealers who stole, then sold, people’s beloved pets for laboratory experiments.   The Society turned over its information to state and federal authorities, which led to the federal Animal Welfare Act of 1966.  This act is the only federal law to regulate the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport and commerce.  With my support it has been amended throughout the years to strengthen enforcement, expand coverage to more animals and activities, or curtail practices viewed as cruel.

Members of Congress continue to offer various proposals to require changes in how animals are cared for while on the farm, while they are being shipped, or at the slaughterhouse.  Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, which generally have jurisdiction over such bills, have held hearings on various farm animal welfare issues, including the handling of nonambulatory “downer” cattle before slaughter, prohibition of the slaughter of horses for human consumption, and the regulation of puppy mills. 

And while we have made progress, we cannot become apathetic to acts of cruelty, especially those aimed at our faithful and beloved pets.  Respect for life, and the humane treatment of all creatures is something that must never be lost.

Click here to read Senator Byrd’s notable speech condemning dog fighting.