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 and one AHS volunteer with the 2021 Animal Advocate Award. This award honors individuals 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 authored the Companion Animal Board (CAB) Bill to establish a board to provide expertise and oversight to companion animal issues in Minnesota.
• Representative Mike Freiberg played a critical role in bringing together key stakeholders of the CAB Bill and garnering support for the bill to be heard in committees next session.
• Senator Bill Weber authored the Veterinarian Immunity Bill, which protects Minnesota veterinarians from civil liabilities when acting in good faith to report inhumane treatment of animals. This bill was signed into law in May of 2020.

In addition to the legislators above, AHS also recognized one of our volunteers, Linda Pronschinske, for her commitment to advancing companion animal welfare in our state. In her time as a volunteer, Linda has invited Representative Jon Koznick to tour our shelter and met with Senator Zack Duckworth (co-author on the CAB Bill). Most recently, she brought forward the humane pet store ordinance in Lakeville, Minnesota.

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.