Mutts: Humane Scorecard: See how your elected officials rate - A blog for animal lovers on pets, dogs, cats, shelters and animal rescue

The Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF) has released its 2007 Humane Scorecard, which assesses the voting records of U.S. senators and representatives on major animal welfare policies.

Only one member of Maryland's congressional delegation scored the top "100+" rating -- Rep. Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Kensington.

The scorecard, which is published annually, covers the first session of the 110th Congress.

"Animal protection is more than ever being treated like the serious moral issue it is on Capitol Hill, and lawmakers are debating policies that have enormous implications for animals," said Michael Markarian, HSLF president.

Last year, Congress passed measures dealing with animal fighting, chimpanzee sanctuaries, pet food safety, the Canadian seal hunt, and a war dog memorial. It provided record levels of funding for enforcement of animal welfare laws.

Eight senators and 24 Representatives scored 100+ (pluses are awarded to those with perfect voting records who have also sponsored animal welfare legislation).

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About this blog

John Woestendiek has been a features reporter at The Sun for six years. Previously he worked as a reporter, columnist, national correspondent and editor at four other newspapers, and received a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting in 1987 for his reporting on prisons and mental institutions for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Woestendiek lives in South Baltimore with his dog, Ace.
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