The Humane Society of the United States honored four legislators recently during the annual Humane Lobby Day at the State House.

Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello, Deputy Speaker Charlene M. Lima, Senate Judiciary Chairwoman Erin Lynch Prata and Sen. Stephen R. Archambault were each honored with the Humane State Legislator Award due to their groundbreaking advances and advocacy for animal welfare in Rhode Island.

Mattiello (D-Dist. 15, Cranston) was honored because under his leadership as speaker, Rhode Island has climbed in the Humane State Rankings by HSUS to the top tier. The HSUS compiles an annual report based on a comprehensive rating of public policies dealing with animal cruelty and fighting, pets, wildlife, equines, animals in research and farm animals.

“I am honored and humbled to be recognized by the Humane Society. The work they do protecting our animal friends is not easy, but they are dedicated and driven, and every animal in Rhode Island is better off because the Humane Society exists. Thank you for this award and I look forward to continuing our excellent professional relationship with the Humane Society,” Mattiello said.

Lima (D-Dist. 14, Cranston, Providence) received the award due to the passage of a bill she sponsored that ensures that dogs and cats used as test subjects at higher education research facilities in Rhode Island be afforded an opportunity to live out their lives in loving homes through adoption.

“Everyone knows that I am a tireless advocate for the health and safety of Rhode Island’s animals and this is why I am so touched to be honored by the Humane Society. The society truly serves as a voice and protector to our voiceless animals and it is a privilege to work with them in the fight against animal abuse,” Lima said.

Lynch Prata (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston) was honored because of a bill she sponsored that defines the term "adequate shelter" where dogs may be kept passed the General Assembly and became law. The bill limits the weight of any dog chain or tether to one-eighth of the dog’s total body weight. In addition, the legislation limits the time dogs may be tethered outdoors.

“Animal abuse is an abhorrent crime that sadly happens too often in our society. That is why I am thankful for the ever-present efforts of the Humane Society to protect our animals through the modernization of our laws and the watchful and compassionate eyes of its members. I thank them for this humbling award and for all the good work that the Humane Society does on a daily basis,” Lynch Prata said.

Archambault (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, Johnston, North Providence) was recognized due to his sponsorship of legislation that protected animals from being left alone in hot cars as well as his sponsorship of legislation that aims to prohibit the operation of puppy mills in Rhode Island.

“I’d like to thank the Humane Society for this tremendous honor, and I would also like to thank them for their vigorous determination to help and protect the animals of Rhode Island. We have made great strides against animal abuse, but there is still more work to be done and I am looking forward to continuing to work with the Humane Society to ensure the protection of Rhode Island’s animals,” Archambault said.