[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 33 (Tuesday, March 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E342-E343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        A TRIBUTE TO ROGER CARAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 13, 2001

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, all of us who are active in the movement to 
protect Animals recently lost a compassionate and articulate colleague. 
It is with a heavy heart that I rise today and pay tribute to a true 
friend of the animal welfare movement and a dear friend of mine, Roger 
Caras.
  Mr. Speaker, Roger began his career in the film industry, but after 
15 years as a motion picture executive, he left to follow his true 
calling, the study of animals in their natural habitats. This led him 
to a take position as the ``house naturalist'' on NBC Today Show and 
later as a special correspondent covering animals and the environment 
for ABC. From these important and highly visible positions, Roger was 
able to share his passion for animals with millions of Americans.
  Later in life, Roger became the President of the American Society for 
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). This is the oldest humane 
organization in the United States, and

[[Page E343]]

Roger served as its fourteenth President from 1991 to 1999. During his 
tenure, he was credited with transforming the ASPCA through the 
expansion of its national animal protection programs. Roger also played 
an integral role in strengthening the Society's public education 
programs and focusing on population control for animals rather than 
euthanizing unwanted animals. To this end, Roger decided to end the 100 
year old relationship between the ASPCA and New York City in which the 
ASPCA collected and killed abandoned dogs, cats, and other animals for 
the city each year. Under his leadership, the Society also acquired and 
later expanded the first poison control center for Animals in the 
United States.
  Roger was also a prolific writer, leaving a rich legacy of thoughtful 
writing on animal welfare issues, including seventy books. His written 
works cover a full range of topics, from pet care to children's books. 
His fictionalized biographies of individual animals in their natural 
habitats were loved by children around the world. And to millions of 
dog lovers, Roger will always be remembered as the distinctive voice 
announcing the Westminister Dog Show at Madison Square Garden each 
February.
  Mr. Speaker, Roger Caras was an extraordinary man who devoted his 
life to ensuring that animals are treated with the respect and care 
they deserve. I am sure I speak for all friends of animals when I say 
that Roger will be truly missed. I invite my colleagues to join me in 
mourning the passing of this outstanding leader.

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