[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR OF THE PERFORMING ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY (PAWS)

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 2009

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the 25th anniversary of the 
founding of The Performing Animal Welfare Society, PAWS, which 
continues to valiantly lead efforts to protect all animals and to 
ensure proper humane sanctuary for wildlife who have experienced the 
inhumanity of the exotic and performing animal trades.
  In 1984, Pat Derby and Ed Stewart founded PAWS, sharing their 
commitment to develop a pristine sanctuary for abused, neglected and 
retired wildlife. Throughout the last 25 years, I am proud to have 
worked with PAWS to ensure improved, humane standards for captive 
wildlife. An early success for PAWS and animal rights activists was 
celebrated in 1985 with the passing of California Assembly Bill 1620 
which introduced humane standards for the care and handling of 
wildlife. Following that initial success, more support was garnered 
which led the California Assembly to pass the Elephant Bill in 1995. 
This historic statute mandated that elephants be provided minimum 
adequate space to move freely and prohibited the use of chains for 
confinement.
  Building on previous accomplishments, PAWS forged a bipartisan 
partnership with Congress in 1997 to pass the Asian Elephant 
Conservation Act. In another watershed moment for animal protection 
advocates, this important legislation provided financial assistance for 
projects intended to protect Asian elephants and blocked funding for 
captive breeding programs. As a co-sponsor of the original Act, and 
having twice voted to fully fund the Asian Elephant Conservation 
Reauthorization Acts of 2001 and 2007, I understand the importance and 
deeply appreciate the beneficence of PAWS. In addition to protecting 
elephants, PAWS has successfully implemented solutions to rescue and 
relocate over 35 tigers and other animals from breeding facilities.
  Through The Performing Animal Welfare Society's extraordinary 
accomplishments, which now includes over 2,400 acres of natural 
protected sanctuaries, countless captive animals have been rescued from 
hazardous and inhumane conditions and have been provided with healthy 
and sustainable environments in which to live quality lives. Without 
their steadfast support and dedication for the humane treatment of 
wildlife, our nation's efforts to protect these animals would be 
drastically impaired.
  Madam Speaker, it is with the upmost respect and gratitude that I 
rise to honor the 25th anniversary of PAWS and especially to pay 
tribute to Pat Derby and Ed Stewart.

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