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The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) wishes to recognize US Representative Tom Lantos (D-CA) with its “Profiles in Compassion” award for his uncompromising leadership on animal welfare issues throughout his 14 terms in the US Congress. As the founder and co-chair of Congressional Friends of Animals, he created a valuable forum to discuss and further legislative initiatives on behalf of animals.

During his long career, Representative Lantos and his wife Annette championed many animal welfare bills, including efforts to protect pets from sale to research laboratories, end the slaughter of horses for human consumption, and ensure a peaceful retirement for chimpanzees previously used in federally funded research.

Following Hurricane Katrina, Representative Lantos and Christopher Shays (R-CT) introduced the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, H.R. 3858, to address the fate of companion animals in the case of natural disasters requiring local authorities to adopt pet evacuation plans for future emergencies if their governments wanted to receive federal aid. The law was adopted in October 2006. Most recently, he spoke out against dog fighting, China’s cruel methods of dealing with its dog populations, and the Canadian seal hunt.

“Killing baby seals echoes the torture and cruel killing of so many other animals around the world,” Representative Lantos said on the House floor. “As co-chairman of the Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus, I will continue to bring the world’s attention to such practices wherever they exist.”

True to his word, Representative Lantos assisted AWI’s efforts to protect whales last spring by signing a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez, instructing them to fight harder for whale conservation and against commercial whaling at the May 2007 International Whaling Commission meeting in Anchorage, Alaska.

Representative and Mrs. Lantos are perhaps best known for their dedicated work supporting human rights, but their efforts on behalf of non-human animals will always be remembered. In their home state of California, the Peninsula Humane Society has announced it will name its planned $15 million animal adoption facility the Tom and Annette Lantos Center for Compassion. President Ken White explained that Lantos believes caring for those who cannot care for themselves is part of “what makes us the kind of society we want to be.”

AWI and many others will sincerely miss Representative and Mrs. Lantos’ presence on Capitol Hill. Not only were they true animal advocates, but they were personable to boot, with both husband and wife nearly always accompanied by their beloved dog Maxco making every effort to engage younger generations in the fight to end animal cruelty.

AWI regrets to announce the passing of Representative Tom Lantos (D-CA) who died February 11, 2008 after a battle with cancer. Chairman Lantos, born in Budapest, Hungary, was the only survivor of the Holocaust to serve in the US Congress. For 14 terms, Mr. Lantos was known for his staunch defense of human and animal rights among other important social issues. Our sincere condolences to Annette and the entire Lantos family.

The Animal Welfare Institute today unveiled its revamped legislative action center, the Compassion Index (CI), located online at www.compassionindex.org. Now, in addition to learning how their elected officials rate on key animal protective legislation, visitors can send letters to Members of Congress, contact the media and more all directly from the website.

First launched in 2006, the CI is the first legislative resource to implement the real-time tracking of animal welfare measures. Bills currently listed on the CI include legislation to ban horse slaughter, strengthen penalties against dog-fighters, prohibit the sale of family pets to experimental laboratories, end the use of steel-jaw leghold traps on fur-bearing animals, and add animal cruelty to the national database of crimes tracked by federal law enforcement. To date, 14 of the 435 U.S. Representatives and four of the 100 U.S. Senators have achieved a perfect 100 percent on the CI.

The site archives data from past Congresses, allowing visitors to research their legislators’ past and present records and get a more comprehensive sense of their positions on animal protective measures. AWI encourages everyone to use this site as much as possible and reference their legislators’ CI rankings when contacting offices. The more aware legislators become of animal issues and constituents’ concerns about them, the more they will strive to be compassionate and achieve higher rankings on the CI.

Other organizations and individuals can add a CI search box to their own websites at www.compassionindex.org/sticker.htm, so that their visitors will have access to legislative information as well. AWI will continue to update this comprehensive advocacy tool with additional helpful features for constituents.

“The CI is a one-stop shop for proactive animal advocates,” said Chris Heyde, AWI’s deputy director of government and legal affairs. “Individuals and groups around the country should use this website to help improve how the US Congress responds to animal protection measures.”

Willie Nelson and Hard Rock International announce the launch of the limited-edition Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight merchandise program today, benefiting  Animal Welfare Institute and the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance. The line, a partnership between the musician, activist, author and poet and the world-renowned brand, includes a men’s t-shirt, a limited edition collector pin as well as an online exclusive pin and, fittingly, a bandanna that will be available online and in-store at participating locations on June 6, 2013.

Hard Rock International is excited to join in the on going festivities for the beloved musician and look forward to welcoming Willie and his Family Band for a celebration launch event at Hard Rock Cafe New York on June 6, 2013.

“Willie Nelson is an American treasure and one of the most prolific, inspiring and enduring musicians of our time. Willie’s love of all people, his tireless philanthropic work for a better planet, a kinder world for all creatures and beings, aligns perfectly with our own motto, Love All – Serve All. We could not be more proud to partner with Willie for these important causes on this significant and happy day, his 80^th Birthday,” said Annie Balliro, Senior Director of Brand Philanthropy, Hard Rock International.

A portion of the retail price will benefit both the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance, which advocates for creating a better world through sustainable, community-based biodiesel and the Animal Welfare Institute dedicated to reducing animal suffering caused by people and seeking better treatment of animals everywhere—in the laboratory, on the farm, in commerce, at home and in the wild.

Hard Rock’s Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight t-shirt, pin and bandanna will be available online at www.hardrock.com and at Hard Rock locations in the following cities: New York, New Orleans, Maui, San Antonio, Nashville and Houston.

Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight Mens T-Shirt: 100% Cotton tee that features an image of Willie Nelson with his guitar and the words “Outlaw Legend.” The top left of the shirt features the artists name and is surrounded by filigree with an ‘Old West’ saloon vibe. 15% of the retail price will benefit Animal Welfare Institute and the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance. ($26)

Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight Bandana: 100% cotton and features a filigree design on a navy blue background that coordinates with the Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight T-Shirt  and includes the artists name. 15% of the retail price will benefit Animal Welfare Institute and the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance. ($10.00)

Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight Collectors Pin: is a translucent hard enamel guitar with gold base metal modeled after Willie’s own and features the phrase “Outlaw Legend.” 15% of the retail price will benefit Animal Welfare Institute and the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance. ($12.00)

Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight Online Exclusive Pin: is modeled after the Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight T-Shirt and includes the artist’s likeness, name, guitar and the words “Outlaw Legend”. This online exclusive pin is hard enamel with translucent enamel used for the guitar and is set on gold base metal. ($14.00)

The Artists Spotlight Series is among the series of events and releases celebrating the artists 80^th birthday. On April 16 Legacy Recordings released “Let’s Face The Music And Dance,” a collection of new studio performances by Willie Nelson and Family. 2013 is shaping up as a banner year for the pop country patriarch, who turns 80 on April 29. His rollicking memoir, “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die – Musings from the Road,” published by HarperCollins in May 2012, is currently a New York Times bestselling non-fiction title and “Let’s Face The Music And Dance” is an essential addition to the outlaw country artist’s catalog of timeless recordings.

Hard Rock’s Artist Spotlight
Since its founding in 1971, Hard Rock has been committed to a wide variety of philanthropic causes and activities around the world. Similar to the Signature Series initiative, the Artist Spotlight program features the work of noted artists and performers and contributes to global and humanitarian causes worldwide.

WHO: “The Family Nelson & Willie”, including Willie Nelson, Paula Nelson Band (Willie’s daughter), Raelyn Nelson Band (Willie’s granddaughter) Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real, featuring Willie Nelson (Willie’s son), Insects Vs Robots (Micah Nelson, Willie’s son), Folk Uke (Amy Nelson, Willie’s daughter), Lechuza (Martha Jewell Fowler, Willie’s granddaughter) plus Toad The Wet Sprocket, Robert Randolph and Buddy Valastro, “The Cake Boss”

WHAT: Birthday event to feature four generations of the Nelson Family sharing the same stage for the first time ever. Event will also kick off the Hard Rock International “Artist Spotlight” Willie Nelson merchandise program, benefiting the Biodiesel Alliance and the Animal Welfare Institute.

Hard Rock’s Willie Nelson “Artist Spotlight” t-shirt, pin and bandanna will be available online at www.hardrock.com and at Hard Rock Cafe, Hotel and Casino locations in the following cities: New York, New Orleans, Maui, San Antonio, Nashville and Houston.

Carlo’s Bakery, setting of the hit TLC show Cake Boss will be making a special birthday cake for the country legend and presenting it to him at the June 6th celebration.

WHERE: HARD ROCK CAFE NEW YORK, TIMES SQUARE

WHEN: JUNE 6, 2013
6pm- VIP Reception & Red Carpet Beginning
7pm- Event Begins

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 125 VIP tickets will be available for $80, and 200 will be made available for $40 through ticketweb.com. VIP tickets will include access to a pre-show VIP party and allow first access to the concert venue. 100% revenue will be split between the two charities, Biodiesel Alliance and the Animal Welfare Institute.

Hard Rock’s Artist Spotlight:
Since its founding in 1971, Hard Rock has been committed to a wide variety of philanthropic causes and activities around the world. Similar to the Signature Series initiative, the Artist Spotlight program features the work of noted artists and performers and contributes to global and humanitarian causes worldwide.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFORMATION:
Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight Mens T-Shirt: 100% cotton tee that features an image of Willie Nelson with his guitar and the words “Outlaw Legend.” The top left of the shirt features the artists name and is surrounded by filigree with an ‘Old West’ saloon vibe. 15% of the retail price will benefit the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance and the Animal Welfare Institute. ($26)

Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight Bandana: 100% cotton and features a filigree design on a navy blue background that coordinates with the Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight T-Shirt and includes the artists name. 15% of the retail price will benefit the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance and the Animal Welfare Institute. ($10.00)

Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight Collectors Pin: is a translucent hard enamel guitar with gold base metal modeled after Willie’s own and features the phrase “Outlaw Legend.” 15% of the retail price will benefit the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance and the Animal Welfare Institute. ($12.00)

Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight Online Exclusive Pin: is modeled after the Willie Nelson Artist Spotlight T-Shirt and includes the artist’s likeness, name, guitar and the words “Outlaw Legend”. This online exclusive pin is hard enamel with translucent enamel used for the guitar and is set on gold base metal. ($14.00)

The Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 4366) signed into law Saturday includes several important victories for animals, but falls short in a number of key areas, such as enforcement of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Horse Protection Act (HPA). The $460 billion spending package (H.R. 4366) funds the Department of the Interior, the US Department of Agriculture, and other federal agencies through the end of the 2024 fiscal year on September 30. It includes the following provisions:

Wildlife Services
H.R. 4366 prohibits the USDA’s Wildlife Services program from using chemical poison devices such as M-44 “cyanide bombs” or sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080). These lethal predator control devices cause immense suffering and are indiscriminate, victimizing not only target animals but also endangered species and family pets. M-44s have injured several people and pose a grave danger to children. Many humane and cost-effective wildlife management methods exist as alternatives to chemical poisons.

Endangered Marine Mammals 
During negotiations, riders were attached to Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies appropriations bills that would have threatened the survival and recovery of two of the most endangered whales on Earth, the North Atlantic right whale and Rice’s whale. The most dangerous of these would have blocked the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from finalizing a vessel speed rule to protect North Atlantic right whales and stymied future efforts to protect Rice’s whales from vessel strikes. The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) and dozens of environmental and animal welfare organizations worked with animal protection champions in Congress to ensure that the final package was stripped of these riders.

Captive Marine Mammal Regulations
The bill notes that the USDA’s standards for the handling, care, treatment, and transportation of marine mammals in captivity are outdated. It directs the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to prioritize finalization of a humane and science-based rule to modernize its marine mammal regulations and to report on its progress within 90 days.

Endangered Species Act
The ESA has been desperately underfunded for years, despite overwhelming evidence that the planet is facing a global extinction crisis. The US Fish and Wildlife Service needs at least an additional $553 million to begin addressing a backlog of more than 300 species awaiting protection decisions, among other priorities. Instead, the Consolidated Spending Act decreased funding by $8 million for ESA implementation. However, thanks to enormous pressure from wildlife advocates, a number of anti-ESA riders were stripped from the final agreement.

Horses
The bill continues to block the operation of horse slaughter facilities on US soil.

It earmarks $11 million for the administration of proven humane fertility control methods to keep wild horses and burros in their natural habitats with their herds, and protects wild equines from lethal control methods and from being destroyed for commercial purposes.

For the first time, Congress included language directing the Bureau of Land Management to consider alternatives to brutal helicopter roundups to remove wild horses from the range. Language was also included urging the National Park Service to maintain wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The NPS is considering removal of this historic herd—the only wild horses in North Dakota—despite opposition from lawmakers and the public.

H.R. 4366 allocates $3.5 million for HPA enforcement to combat abuses associated with horse soring—a 17% decrease from the previous fiscal year. This funding cut comes at an inopportune time, as the USDA appears poised to finalize long-awaited HPA regulations that would overhaul the current failed system of industry self-policing.

Mink
Congress expressed concern about the mounting evidence that fur farms are potential vectors for zoonotic diseases, including COVID-19 and avian influenza. Lawmakers also noted a lack of USDA oversight of disease transmission on fur farms, and urged the department to make data from its annual mink survey public to help clarify public health risks and inform policy decisions.

Other Farmed Animals
The bill directs the USDA to work with producers to develop disaster preparedness plans to prevent farmed animal suffering and death during extreme weather events.

It ensures training in humane handling regulations for all Food Safety and Inspection Service inspection personnel and continued public access to quarterly reports of humane handling activities. It also directs the USDA to report on instances in which poultry slaughter facilities fail to comply with directives aimed at preventing animal mistreatment and adulteration of food.

Finally, it directs the USDA to report to Congress on barriers to enforcement of the Twenty-Eight Hour Law—the only federal law aimed at providing basic protections for farmed animals being transported across the United States.

Companion Animals
H.R. 4366 provides $3 million for grants to provide sheltering, fostering, and additional services for domestic violence survivors with companion animals under the Protecting Animals With Shelter (PAWS) program.

Animal Welfare Act Enforcement
Congress asked APHIS to step up enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act against exhibitors, researchers, breeders, and dealers who repeatedly violate the law. This includes conducting consistent, thorough, unannounced inspections on a regular basis, documenting each violation or attempt to block inspector access, and requiring that violations and compliance failures be shared with relevant local, state, and federal agencies.

Research
The spending package directs the “FDA to efficiently and expeditiously utilize existing funds to reduce animal testing and advance alternative methods in a measurable and impactful way.”

The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) announced today the 12 winners of a scholarship designed to support high school seniors who are planning to use their post-secondary education to better the lives of animals.

The Animal Welfare Institute Scholarship program, now in its fifth year, recognizes students in the United States who are actively involved in helping animals in their schools or communities and plan to continue working on behalf of animals in college and beyond. A dozen winners, selected from more than 750 applicants, will each receive $3,000 to use toward post-secondary education expenses.

“From campaigning to close a petting zoo accused of neglecting animals to rescuing calves from dangerously cold temperatures, this year’s winners demonstrated initiative and energy to prevent animal suffering,” said Susan Millward, AWI’s executive director and chief executive officer. “AWI is proud to invest in these future leaders as they continue their studies and build on their accomplishments to improve the lives of animals.”

Applicants have raised money to provide medical care for companion animals in need, educated their communities on the vital ecological role of insects, designed animal enrichment activities at a local nature center, and completed a rigorous humane education program sponsored by animal sanctuaries. They include future pre-vet majors, wildlife policy experts, endangered species advocates, animal rescuers, and more.

The 2024 Animal Welfare Institute Scholarship winners are:

Luke Andersen, Nevada High School, Missouri; Robert Berlage, Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Illinois; Emily Comar, School Without Walls High School, Washington, DC; Katherine Fourtner, Parkway South High School, Missouri; Siraj Gandhi, Monroe Township High School, New Jersey; Rylan Garrett, Monticello High School, Virginia; Julia Jackson, Ignite! Online Academy, North Carolina; Cathrine Lamprecht, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School, Florida; Claire Lignore, Cleveland High School, Oregon; Claudia Metge, J.L. Mann High School, South Carolina; Rebecca Rhodes, Shorecrest High School, Washington; and Janelly Villalobos, CSA New Tech High School, Indiana.

In addition to the scholarship program, AWI, in partnership with the Humane Education Network, holds an annual “A Voice for Animals” competition. High school students from all over the world are awarded cash prizes for essays, photo essays, or videos that examine animal suffering and present viable solutions. The deadline for applications this year is May 31.

The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) announced today that it has been awarded an A+ rating by CharityWatch, a leading independent charity-rating organization, in its recently released Winter 2014-2015 Charity Rating Guide & Watchdog Report. Of the 41 charities evaluated by CharityWatch in the “Animal and Animal Protection” category of its report, AWI was the sole organization to receive this highest rating. This is the fourth consecutive year that AWI has received an A+ rating from CharityWatch.

“As an organization that prides itself on transparency and fiscal responsibility, we are honored to be recognized by CharityWatch for our commitment to our donors,” said Cathy Liss, president of AWI. “Supporters of our organization can be confident knowing their contributions go directly toward our mission to improve treatment of animals everywhere.”

CharityWatch’s grade ratings, A+ through F, are calculated based on the percentage spent on program services and fundraising costs for each organization. In its report, CharityWatch noted that 94 percent of AWI’s fiscal budget is spent on program services, and projected that AWI’s fundraising cost is a mere 1 percent of each dollar raised.

CharityWatch’s Charity Rating Guide & Watchdog Report gives a letter grade rating and other statistics on the financial performance of approximately 600 major American charities in 36 different categories. CharityWatch conducts an in-depth, financial analysis of audited financial statements of each organization and does not receive compensation for including organizations in its report.

For more information on CharityWatch’s Charity Rating Guide & Watchdog Report, visit http://www.charitywatch.org/.

The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), the Animal Welfare Institute, The Humane Society of the United States, and the Humane Society Legislative Fund applaud the naming of Reps. Mike Fitzpatrick, R-PA, and Earl Blumenauer, D-OR, as the new co-chairs of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus for the 114^th Congress. The CAPC is a bipartisan caucus committed to raising awareness of animal welfare issues in Congress.

Reps. Fitzpatrick and Blumenauer have been leading champions and have demonstrated a career-long commitment to advancing animal welfare policies in Congress. The two previously collaborated to introduce legislation that would protect public health and safety by prohibiting interstate commerce in primates for the pet trade, and supported many other animal welfare legislative efforts including bills to crack down on animal fighting, protect farm animals, and save our nation’s horses from the cruelty of slaughter. As co-chairs, Fitzpatrick and Blumenauer will work with new and returning CAPC members to advance animal protection legislation in the 114^th Congress.

“This Congress, I am honored to take on a leadership role in promoting animal protection alongside my trusted colleague, Earl Blumenauer,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. I look forward to building upon the achievements of the 113^th Congressional Animal Protection Caucus and continuing to foster bipartisan support for common-sense animal welfare laws.”

“I’m excited to be able to serve as co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus,” said Rep. Blumenauer. “The way we treat all animals, whether domesticated or wild, reflects our values and has an incredible impact on the livability and vitality of our communities. They not only enrich our lives, they all deserve humane and compassionate treatment.  The Congressional Animal Protection Caucus will be a bipartisan forum to educate, encourage and organize members of Congress to be an effective, powerful voice for animal protection.”

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