(Warwick, R.I.) Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) recently received the Humane Advocate Award for his leadership on animal protection legislation in 2006. The honor was given by the Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund.

“This recognition is a great honor for me,” said Langevin, member of the Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus. “I take the mission of the Humane Society very seriously and believe that we must do all we can to protect the welfare of all animals.”

Langevin was one of 134 federal lawmakers recognized for leading efforts in Congress to protect animals. For the 109th Congress, which spanned 2005 and 2006, legislators were scored on their votes to protect pets in disasters and stop horse slaughter for food exports; their co-sponsorship of bills to crack down on animal fighting and stop the sale of “downer” livestock who are too sick or injured to walk; their signing of a letter requesting funding for enforcement of animal welfare laws; and their leadership on animal legislation.

“Langevin received a perfect score on the Humane Scorecard,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the HSUS. “He has always shown a deep commitment to our cause, and we, along with the more than 16,000 supporters in the Second Congressional district, are very grateful for his efforts in Congress.”