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WASHINGTON – Congressman Vern Buchanan, co-chairman of the bipartisan Animal Protection Caucus, earned a 100 percent rating in the Humane Society Legislative Fund's just-released 2023 scorecard. 

Buchanan was one of only 13 Republicans in the entire 535-member Congress to score 100 percent. Buchanan, who co-chairs the Animal Protection Caucus in Congress, is a leading advocate for protecting endangered species and ending animal cruelty. The Humane Society has praised Buchanan, calling him “a tireless champion for animals.”

“As a proud dog owner, I’m honored to receive a 100 percent score from the Humane Society,” said Congressman Buchanan. “Protecting wildlife and combatting animal cruelty are bipartisan and commonsense issues everyone can get behind.”

The Humane Society scorecard is based on individual voting records and leadership efforts concerning key animal welfare priorities. 

In 2020, the Humane Society of the United States named Buchanan “Legislator of the Year,” making him the only member of the U.S. House ever to win the prestigious award twice. He was the first member of Congress from Florida to win the honor in 2015.

In 2019 and 2020, Buchanan earned a perfect score from the U.S. Humane Society. 

The list of issues highlighted in the Humane Society scorecard includes:

Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act (H.R. 3475), which Buchanan introduced, prohibits both the reopening of horse slaughter plants in the U.S. and the export of American horses for slaughter. Buchanan reintroduced this legislation in 2023 and has garnered 214 cosponsors.

Humane Cosmetics Act (H.R. 5399), which Buchanan helped introduce, phases out testing of cosmetics on live animals and the sale of cosmetics newly tested on animals in the U.S.

Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act (H.R. 3090), which Buchanan is an original cosponsor of, seeks to end notorious training barn cruelty that plagues Tennessee walking horses and related breeds.

Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) for Animals Act (S. 2555/H.R. 5041), which Buchanan cosponsored, empowers DOJ to seek meaningful penalties, and it also encourages greater collaboration with the USDA to ensure that DOJ has access to evidence needed to initiate cases.

Puppy Protection Act (H.R. 1624), which Buchanan cosponsored, addresses gaps in welfare standards for tens of thousands of breeding dogs and puppies.

Buchanan’s has had 32 legislative initiatives signed into law since he first came to Congress in 2007.

Buchanan has had four initiatives signed by President Bush, six by President Obama and 13 by President Trump. He has also seen nine legislative proposals signed into law by President Biden so far.