Animal Humane Society works year-round to shape public policy and promote legislation to protect companion animals throughout Minnesota. In partnership with state and local government officials, we're able to influence and help advance critical bills in line with our legislative priorities.

Presenting the Animal Advocate Award

This June, AHS was honored to present five state legislators with the 2020 Animal Advocate Award. This award honors lawmakers who led the way and advanced companion animal welfare in Minnesota during this year’s legislative session.

Help us show our appreciation for these lawmakers by sending them a letter or email of thanks for their work to compassionately and responsibly create a more humane world for animals. Click the legislators' names below for their contact information.

• Senator Karla Bigham and Representative Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn introduced the Humane Pet Store Bill, bipartisan legislation to prevent the pet store sale of dogs and cats from puppy and kitten mills.
• Senator Carrie Ruud and Representative John Lesch authored the Companion Animal Board Bill, establishing a board to provide expertise and oversight to companion animal issues in Minnesota.
• Chair Mike Freiberg granted the Companion Animal Board Bill a hearing and provided support in passing the bill out of the Government Operations Committee. In addition, Chair Freiberg partnered with AHS to help ensure animal welfare services were considered an essential service during the state’s stay-at-home order in response to COVID-19.

Advocating for a more humane world for animals

Are you interested in supporting our efforts to influence companion animal-related public policy in Minnesota? Sign up for AHS advocacy alerts and receive periodic updates keeping you informed about legislative issues that impact companion animals and explaining how you can advocate on behalf of animals.