Lawmakers recognized for strong records on farm animal welfare, wildlife protection, horse protection, and humane public policy
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action, a national policy and political organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing legal protections for animals, today announced its endorsements of Rep. Jamie Raskin in Maryland’s 8th Congressional District and Rep. Glenn Ivey in Maryland’s 4th Congressional District in the June 23, 2026, Democratic primary elections.
The organization cited both lawmakers’ strong voting records on animal welfare, wildlife protection, horse protection, and opposition to efforts to weaken voter-approved farm animal welfare standards.
Animal Wellness Action noted that both lawmakers opposed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act (H.R. 7567), which included language designed to overturn farm animal welfare laws approved by voters in California and Massachusetts. The organization also highlighted that the legislation omitted key bipartisan animal protection measures, including the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act and the Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Trafficking (FIGHT) Act, legislation designed to strengthen enforcement against organized animal fighting enterprises.
In addition, Raskin and Ivey joined 182 House Democrats in urging congressional leaders to reject the inclusion of the farm animal welfare repeal provision in the Farm Bill and voted against the Riley Moore amendment, which sought to create an exemption allowing commercial greyhound racing to continue in West Virginia.
Animal Wellness Action also cited both lawmakers’ votes against H.R. 845, legislation that would have removed Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves, and H.R. 556, which would have restricted federal efforts to address the harmful impacts of lead ammunition and fishing tackle on wildlife.
“Congressman Jamie Raskin has been a steadfast champion for animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and humane public policy,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action. “He has opposed efforts to weaken animal protection laws, supported stronger enforcement against animal fighting enterprises, and consistently backed policies that reflect both scientific evidence and public values.”
Beyond his voting record, Raskin has been a leader on legislation designed to combat organized animal fighting. He is a cosponsor of the FIGHT Act, H.R. 3946, bipartisan legislation designed to strengthen federal enforcement against organized dogfighting and cockfighting operations and provide law enforcement with additional tools to combat illegal gambling, narcotics trafficking, and other criminal activities tied to animal fighting enterprises.
“Congressman Glenn Ivey has demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting animals and wildlife through his votes in Congress,” Pacelle said. “He has opposed efforts to roll back important protections for farm animals and wildlife while supporting measures that promote humane treatment and responsible stewardship.”
Animal Wellness Action also recognized Ivey’s support for the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, H.R. 1661, legislation that would permanently prohibit horse slaughter in the United States and end the export of American horses for slaughter abroad.
Animal Wellness Action encouraged Ivey to support several bipartisan anti-cruelty initiatives, including the FIGHT Act, the No Flight No Fight Act, and the Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act, measures broadly supported by law enforcement organizations and animal welfare groups.
“A profound respect for animals is a value shared by Americans across the political spectrum,” added Pacelle. “These lawmakers recognize that preventing cruelty to animals not only protects vulnerable creatures but also helps foster safer, more compassionate communities.”
Animal Wellness Action urges Democratic primary voters in Maryland’s 4th and 8th Congressional Districts who care about animal welfare, wildlife conservation, horse protection, and humane public policy to support Reps. Glenn Ivey and Jamie Raskin in the June 23 primary elections.
The full endorsement letters may be viewed here: Rep. Raskin and Rep. Ivey.