HARRISBURG, PA — In recognition of her efforts to advance animal welfare legislation, State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, has been awarded the prestigious Humane Legislator of the Year by The Humane Society of the United States. This accolade highlights Shusterman’s dedication to fostering legislative initiatives aimed at ensuring the humane treatment and protection of animals throughout Pennsylvania.
Expressing her gratitude for the award, Shusterman emphasized the collective responsibility to safeguard animal rights across both the Commonwealth and the nation. “It is our duty to protect the rights and humane treatment of animals,” Shusterman stated, attributing her success to the collaborative efforts of her colleagues in the Animal Protection Caucus, which she co-chairs and co-founded.
A key legislative effort championed by Shusterman is H.B. 1502, which proposes the establishment of a dedicated budget for the Pennsylvania Animal Response Team (PART). PART, an organization that coordinates over 500 volunteers across 50 active teams, plays a crucial role in rescuing animals during disasters. Despite its vital services, PART currently operates on an annual budget of $250,000, rendering the proposed funding an essential step toward enhancing the state’s capacity to protect animals in emergencies.
Shusterman’s legislative portfolio includes several significant pieces of legislation aimed at promoting animal welfare:
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- H.B. 2139, spearheaded by State Rep. Perry Warren, seeks to terminate live pigeon shoots, a practice that has faced widespread criticism for its cruelty.
- H.B. 846, also known as “Victoria’s Law,” introduced by State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, aims to encourage pet adoption from shelters, rescues, and responsible breeders, moving away from less humane sources.
- H.B. 1451, by State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, proposes to roll back the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s policies allowing increased public interaction with wildlife, which can be detrimental to animal well-being.
- A series of bills (H.B.s 1318, 1319, 1320 and S.B.s 701, 702, 703) introduced alongside State Reps. Ryan Bizzarro and McNeill, and State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, focus on promoting adoption, restricting dog breeding for research, and encouraging investment in non-animal research methodologies.
- H.B. 508, by State Reps. Elizabeth Hanbidge and Steven Malagari, advocates for banning the declawing of cats unless medically necessary.
Additionally, Shusterman has played a pivotal role in the recent updates to Pennsylvania’s Dog Law, which introduces stricter regulations for kennels and shelters, combats dishonest breeding practices, and ensures the health and safety of dogs and their owners.
Looking forward, Shusterman plans to introduce further legislation aimed at regulating the travel of exotic animals, indicating her ongoing commitment to animal protection.
Shusterman’s award was announced during Humane Lobby Day at the Capitol, an annual event that emphasizes the importance of strengthening animal protection laws. This recognition not only celebrates her achievements but also serves as a call to action for lawmakers and citizens alike to prioritize animal welfare in legislative agendas. Her work exemplifies how dedicated public service and legislative advocacy can effect tangible improvements in the lives of animals and, by extension, enrich our communities.
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