American Humane Association Applauds New Congressional Caucus to Make a More Humane World for People and Animals

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Humane Association today applauded the formation of a new congressional caucus that will work to make a more humane world for both people and animals. The new Caucus for the Humane Bond is co-chaired by Congressmen Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX), and was created to strengthen the humane bond between people and animals in working environments, our homes, hospitals, educational settings, the wild, and agriculture, and unleash the power of our connection to benefit both and create healthy, sustainable and humane communities.

A wide range of renowned human and animal stars were on hand Wednesday evening at the Cannon House Office Building to support the effort, including author, Broadway producer and philanthropist Candy Spelling, country singer Naomi Judd, movie director Jon Turteltaub, military hero dog teams Corporal Jeff DeYoung and Military Working Dog (MWD) Cena and Specialist Brent Grommet and MWD Matty, Crystal the Capuchin monkey from the "Night at The Museum" movies, Hudson the dog from "My Idiot Brother" and SNL, and the 2014 Service Dog Team of the Year KK and JJ.

In remarks at the event, American Humane Association President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert praised the formation of the caucus.

"From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Congressman Bilirakis and Congressman Cuellar for their vision and their leadership in creating the 'Caucus for the Humane Bond,'" said Dr. Ganzert. "The animal space often brings out strong emotions and passions, and national dialogue has at times been contentious with different competing agendas. We share the passion for animals, and based on 138 years of innovating protections for our nation's children and animals, we also know that the best approaches and solutions come from the head as well as the heart."

Co-chairs Gus Bilirakis and Henry Cuellar recognized the importance of the human-animal bond.

"From kids with cancer to Veteran dog handlers and their dogs, animals have played important roles in the lives of people," says Congressman Bilirakis. "It is up to all of us to promote these roles in ways that benefit both people and animals."

"Animals comfort, protect, entertain, and sustain us," said Congressman Cuellar. "It is important for all of us to make sure that bond works to benefit animals and people, and create a more humane and sustainable world."

Celebrity supporters of animals and their powerful roles in our lives explained how the caucus' efforts will benefit both humans and the creatures who share our world.

"I have two passions in life -- helping children and animals -- which is why I am so excited about this congressional forum," said author, producer and philanthropist Candy Spelling. "One of the biggest goals for this caucus is to find and support ways that animals and people can work together – and mutually benefit each other."

"In some deep way, animals make us more human – and more humane," said film director Jon Turteltaub ("National Treasure") in a video address. "Animals in entertainment have also served as ambassadors to millions, making us fall in love with them – understand our common bond, and care for creatures that are both familiar and those we might not otherwise have a chance to meet up close."

"Last year I was invited by Gus Bilirakis to speak at a Capitol Hill briefing on the topic of Canines and Childhood Cancer, exploring how therapy dogs can help young cancer patients," said country singer and longtime animal advocate Naomi Judd. "I was able to share some of my stories from my years as a nurse – I personally know and have experienced the healing power that dogs and other animals can have on people who need them the most. As a lifelong lover of animals it's my honor to be here tonight. I try to do my part however I can."

About the Caucus for the Humane Bond
The bipartisan Caucus for the Humane Bond is devoted to bringing a commonsense, scientific and rational dialogue to the issues surrounding the physical, emotional, and even medical connections between humans and animals.

The caucus will play an important role strengthening the humane bond between people and animals in working environments, our homes, hospitals, educational settings, the wild and agriculture, unleashing the power of our connection to benefit both and create healthy, sustainable and humane communities.

About American Humane Association
American Humane Association is the country's first national humane organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting our most vulnerable from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.

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SOURCE American Humane Association

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