“Kudos to Congressman Sherman for his wonderful help with animal protection legislation across-the-board!” said Sara Amundson, President of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “He has once again demonstrated his compassion, earning a 100% on our annual scorecard and reflecting his constituents’ humane values on issues ranging from wildlife trafficking to horse soring to puppy mills. We count on his consistent support every year , and so do the animals.”

My work in Congress has consistently earned me a 100 percent rating from the Humane Society, which has awarded me the “Humane Champion” or the “Humane Advocate” award for ten consecutive years.  

Despite state and federal prohibitions, animals are still subject to cruelty and torture. I joined my colleagues in introducing and passing into law the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act, which banned the creation, sale, and distribution of videos that depict the intentional heinous abuse of animals.

Animal cruelty continues to persist in the cosmetics and agriculture industries. I cosponsored the Humane Cosmetics Act to phase out the testing of cosmetics on live animals and the sale of animal-tested cosmetics. I also wrote to the Department of Agriculture requesting greater funding and enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act.

Protecting Dogs and Puppies

I have also worked to protect the thousands of puppy mill puppies that are sold directly to the public, over the internet, without any federal oversight.

These puppies are often malnourished and ill due to overcrowded conditions and improper care. Breeding dogs at puppy mills often spend their entire lives in constant confinement.

To address these cruel practices, I have cosponsored the bipartisan Puppy Protection Act, which requires commercial dog dealers provide adequate housing, veterinary care, socialization, and access to nutritious food and potable water. It would also require breeders use safe breeding practices and find humane homes for retired breeding dogs.

Protecting Horses and Burros

Despite the passage of the Horse Protection Act, the practice of soring continues due to the lack of self-policing of the horse industry.

I am working to crack down on the cruel practice and, last Congress, joined my colleagues in passing the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, which would amend existing federal law to eliminate the cruel practice.

I cosponsored and helped pass into law the Horse Transportation Safety Act, which prohibits unsafe double-deck trailers that haul horses in interstate commerce.

I am also a cosponsor of the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2022. This bill would eliminate the use of helicopters in wild horse gathers, which can often be deadly to animals.

Protecting Big Cats

It is critical that we enhance protections of wild animals as well as wildlife under public and private care.

I am a cosponsor of the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which prohibits the private possession and trade of lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, cougars, or any hybrid of these species. This prohibition exempts zoos, sanctuaries, and universities.

I am also a cosponsor of the PREPARED Act, which would require entities that care for animals, such as zoos, sanctuaries, and research facilities, to follow a contingency plan to care for and coordinate the transport of animals in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Fighting Wildlife Trafficking & Protecting Biodiversity

I am committed to eliminating wildlife trafficking and illegal practices due to harm to animal populations and biodiversity, which threaten our environment.

I am a strong supporter of the bipartisan Wildlife Conservation and Anti-Trafficking Act. The bill would strengthen enforcements against poachers, traffickers, and the global trade in illegal wildlife and provide funding for conservation efforts. 

I am also a cosponsor of the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act which makes it illegal to possess, buy, or sell shark fins.

I have also cosponsored the Migratory Bird Protection Act, which would prohibit the practice of “incidental” taking (e.g., capturing or killing) of migratory birds. This bill would protect bird populations by holding companies accountable for large-scale “accidental” bird kills, such as those caused by oil spills.

Along with working to protect animals’ rights, I have worked to protect our environment and improve conservation efforts for wildlife. Providing clean air and water, holding polluters accountable, and supporting land conservation efforts are vital to protecting animals and their habitats.

I have also received a 100 percent rating from every other group that rates voting records and is dedicated to animal protection. Below are some of my recent efforts in Congress to pass meaningful legislation to protect animals from cruelty.