Organization backs candidates with strong records on animal welfare, horse protection, wildlife conservation, and anti-cruelty enforcement
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 in five congressional contests across Colorado, including both general-election and Democratic primary races.
The organization cited the candidates’ leadership on a wide range of animal welfare, wildlife conservation, horse protection, anti-animal-fighting enforcement, farm animal welfare, and animal testing reform initiatives, as well as their willingness to advance humane public policy.
The endorsed candidates are Rep. Diana DeGette in the 1st Congressional District), Rep. Joe Neguse in the 2nd, Rep. Jason Crow in the 6th, Rep. Brittany Pettersen in the 7th, and state Rep. Manny Rutinel, a candidate for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District.
“Whether the issue is horse slaughter, animal fighting, farm animal welfare, wildlife conservation, greyhound racing, animal testing reform, or stronger anti-cruelty enforcement, these candidates have demonstrated a willingness to stand up against cruelty and advance policies that reflect both science and common sense,” Pacelle said. “Preventing cruelty to animals is not only a moral imperative, but also an important public-policy responsibility tied to public safety, responsible governance, and community values.” Animal Wellness Action highlighted the candidates’ support for a broad range of major animal-protection priorities pending before Congress, including the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, the Animal Cruelty Enforcement (ACE) Act, FDA Modernization Act 3.0, the Greyhound Protection Act, and the Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Trafficking (FIGHT) Act.
The organization particularly praised the incumbent Democrats for for opposing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act because of provisions designed to overturn voter-approved farm animal welfare laws in California and Massachusetts. They joined 182 House Democrats urging congressional leaders to reject the proposal and voted against the Riley Moore amendment, which sought to weaken protections against commercial greyhound racing.
Animal Wellness Action also recognized DeGette, Neguse, Crow, and Pettersen for opposing legislation to strip federal protections for gray wolves under the Endangered Species Act and for supporting science-based wildlife conservation policies. The organization further commended DeGette, Neguse, and Crow for supporting the Animal Cruelty Enforcement (ACE) Act and praised Neguse and Crow for supporting FDA Modernization Act 3.0, legislation designed to accelerate the transition to modern, animal-free testing methods in drug development.
The organization highlighted the leadership from them in supporting the SAFE Act to permanently prohibit horse slaughter and the export of American horses, including live exports to Canada or Mexico. It also cited their support for the FIGHT Act, legislation designed to strengthen enforcement against organized dogfighting and cockfighting enterprises. The County Sheriffs of Colorado and the Colorado District Attorneys’ Association have endorsed the FIGHT Act.
Animal Wellness Action additionally recognized state Rep. Manny Rutinel for his strong record on animal welfare in the Colorado legislature. The organization cited his sponsorship of legislation requiring research facilities to offer dogs and cats for adoption before euthanasia, his support for including companion animals in disaster and evacuation planning, and his backing for the creation of a dedicated division within the Colorado Department of Agriculture focused on animal protection programs, cruelty investigations, shelter regulation, and equine welfare.
“A profound respect for the humane treatment of animals is a value shared by Americans across the political spectrum,” Pacelle added. “How we treat animals reflects our character as a society. These candidates recognize that protecting animals and protecting communities often go hand in hand.”
Animal Wellness Action urges Colorado voters who care about animal welfare, wildlife conservation, horse protection, anti-cruelty enforcement, and humane public policy to support these endorsed candidates in their respective contests.
ENDORSED CANDIDATES
The letter of endorsement for each candidate is linked to his or her name.
- CO-01 — Diana DeGette (D)
- CO-02 — Joe Neguse (D)
- CO-06 — Jason Crow (D)
- CO-07 — Brittany Pettersen (D)
- CO-08 — Manny Rutinel (D) Primary