IOWA CITY – An Iowa legislator was awarded the “Dogs’ Best Friend Award” this week after working for legislation to protect animals.
– Constituents from Representative Bobby Kaufmann’s eastern Iowa district were on-hand at the Iowa City Animal Care & Adoption Center where he accepted an award from Iowa Voters for Companion Animals (IowaVCA).
IowaVCA spokesperson Mary LaHay said, “We are proud to present our Dogs’ Best Friend Award to Rep. Kaufmann for his great work to protect Iowa’s vulnerable pets.”
Rep. Kaufmann worked during the 2014 legislative session to gain passage of SF 2118 – the Pet Protective Order. This new law is an important tool which allows authorities to protect innocent family pets caught in domestic violence situations. Family pets are often used as pawns by abusers to control other vulnerable family members. Rep. Kaufmann also worked toward passage of another important bill; HF 2023. Passage of this bill would have increased penalties for criminal offenses involving companion animals.
The recent story of the senseless beating of a kitten illustrates the need for enforcement of Iowa’s animal welfare laws and increased penalties for offenders.
“As a Republican, a livestock farmer, and a Farm Bureau member I see the importance in providing protection to companion animals. Protecting our pets does not need to conflict with Iowa’s important agriculture industry,” said Rep. Kaufmann.
Iowa ranks near the bottom nationally in animal protection laws.
“Representative Kaufmann’s forward-thinking legislation is helping to correct this shameful statistic,” said Mary LaHay.
Tom Colvin, Executive Director of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, was also on-hand for the award ceremony. Mr. Colvin added, “Iowa needs better animal protection laws and we need to encourage our judiciary to enforce them. We appreciate Representative Kaufmann’s help in making Iowa a better place for companion animals.”
