We are not the only species that matters. Often we do not grasp how ecologically connected we are to all the life on the planet.

But we are connected – closely. This bond is the reason I:

• Authored and passed legislation to ban the trophy hunting of bobcats in California.
• Carried a bill to end unnecessary toxicological testing on dogs.
• Shepherded a bill to prohibit the possession of African trophy animals in California. 

These legislative efforts are part of the continuing struggle to protect the creatures that share the planet with us and provide us with a healthy ecological balance.

In recognition of these efforts, I received the 2020 Humane Legislator Award from the Humane Society of the United States.