WASHINGTON D.C. –Senator John Boozman was honored for his leadership on animal protection legislation in the first session of the 113^th Congress. 

Boozman received the Legislative Leader award from the Humane Society of the United States and its affiliate the Humane Society Legislative Fund for his support of veterans dog training therapy. 

Boozman is a cosponsor of the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act. This legislation would require the Office of Veterans Affairs to establish a program that allows veterans suffering from PTSD to participate in therapeutic dog training, including the training of their own service dogs. The plan allows for the trained service dogs to be given to physically disabled veterans and encourages the use of shelter dogs.

“I am honored to receive this recognition. This legislation is a great approach to addressing the growing needs of our returning veterans while providing dogs with a new role and home,” Boozman said. 

“It is heartening to see again how animal protection issues bring Members of Congress together across party lines,” HSLF President Michael Markarian said. “We thank Senator Boozman for his outstanding work to ensure that our federal laws reflect the core humane values and attitudes of American Society.” 

The Humane Society Legislative Fund annually tracks votes and co-sponsorships of pro-animal bills seeking to enforce key animal welfare laws.