Senate Republican Majority Caucus
316
War Memorial Building
Nashville, Tennessee 37243
Contact: Jesse
Hughes, Press Secretary
Phone:
(615) 741-6336 or toll-free in-state 800-449-TENN
(800-449-8366) Ext. 16336
For
Immediate
Release
February 7, 2005
Senator Person honored by
Humane Society of the
United States
NASHVILLE–Senator Curtis Person (R-Memphis,
Tennessee)
received the Humane
Legislator Award for 2003-2004 from the Humane Society
of the United States (HSUS), the nation’s largest animal
protection organization with over 8 million members and
constituents, including 118,000 in Tennessee. Senator Person is one of only 10
state legislators nationwide to be so recognized.
In a
letter dated Feb. 1, 2005, Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president
and CEO, states: “I am honored to inform you that you
are to receive a Humane Legislator Award for 2003-2004.
This award recognizes exceptional leadership in policy
making in the animal welfare domain. You are
specifically recognized for your efforts in shepherding
into law S.B. 3209, which adds serious neglect to the
animal cruelty code. You are one of just ten state
legislators nationwide to receive this award.
“You are to be commended for your long-time support of
animal protection efforts and specifically for your most
recent legislative accomplishment. It is well
established that there is a link between animal cruelty
and violence to people, and your effort to codify basic
anti-cruelty principles, including serious neglect of
animals, has strengthened community standards.
“Your steadfast support of animal protection issues
through the years has saved countless animals, and Tennessee is a better place for animals because
of your key role and devotion to humane issues. We hope
your dedication and productive work will provide
inspiration to your colleagues and to other socially
aware individuals. I offer my sincere congratulations
and gratitude and look forward to working with you in
the coming years,” concludes Pacelle’s letter.
According to The Book of the States, Volume 36 for 2004,
there are 7,382 state legislators in the nation. As one
of only 10 state legislators to receive this award,
Senator Person would rank with the top 1/10 (one-tenth)
of a percent of the 7,382 state lawmakers when it comes
to animal protection issues.
“I am humbled by this unexpected recognition from the
Humane Society of the United States,” said Senator Person.
“I love animals and I’m proud of the work the
Legislature did on this particular piece of
legislation. Making serious neglect a part of our state
law in order to protect the lives and health of innocent
animals was the right thing to do.”
“On behalf of the Senate
Republican Majority Caucus, I would like to express
congratulations to Senator Person for his outstanding
legislative work which led to his receiving this award
and recognition from the Humane Society of the United States. Well done, Senator
Person!” stated Senate Republican Majority Caucus
Chairman Jeff Miller (R-Cleveland).
Senator Person, a veteran lawmaker from Shelby County,
Tennessee, has served in the legislature for 39 years,
and has chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee for 19
years. Senator Person and his wife, Geraldean, who are
truly animal advocates and lovers, recently lost their
Golden Retriever, Pumpkin, and have an Australian
Shepherd named Senator.
- 30 -
Pictured from left to right: Senator Harlan Mathews,
Nancy Whittemore, Otis - puppy mill survivor, Senator
Curtis Person
Judy Ladebauche, Millie - puppy mill survivor, Laura
Turner
Pictured: Senator Person and Otis - puppy mill survivor
Pictured: Laura Turner, Senator Person, and Millie -
puppy mill survivor
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