[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 7, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING CINDY MACHADO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 7, 2024

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Cindy 
Machado upon her retirement from the Marin Humane Society (Marin 
Humane) after 40 years of extraordinary public service.
  A longtime Northern California resident, Cindy has been fighting for 
the rights and welfare of animals with Marin Humane since 1984. At that 
time, the animal service officer role was dominated by men, but Cindy's 
knowledge of animal science, equines and livestock made her an 
effective enforcer of animal control and cruelty laws. She was quickly 
promoted to Field Services Sergeant in 1985 and assumed the role of 
Animal Services Director in 1996, a position she held until her 
retirement.
  Cindy's impeccable leadership was critical to establishing Marin 
Humane as a highly respected organization locally, and at the regional, 
national, and international levels. She was instrumental in creating 
the Animal Law Enforcement Academy, a program hosted by Marin Humane 
through Santa Rosa Junior College, in partnership with the California 
Animal Welfare Association (Cal Animals). She also served the Academy 
as an instructor on issues including animal cruelty investigations, 
animal hoarding, and inspections, and managed an annual Advanced 
Academy program for almost two decades.
  From pet shops and cock fighting rings to circuses and amusement 
parks, Cindy has worked tirelessly to end animal cruelty. She has led 
investigations, testified in court, and participated in many 
legislative hearings. Her influence has been far reaching as an 
advocate and educator, leading trainings and workshops on behalf of 
Marin Humane across the world, including at the Brazilian Animal 
Welfare Congress in 2000, in Taiwan with the Humane Society of the 
United States in 2001, and in Mexico with Compassion Without Borders in 
2005.
  Cindy has also been an animal advocate in preparation and response to 
natural disasters. She co-founded the Marin Horse Council's Equine 
Evacuation Committee in 2006, represented Marin Humane with Marin's 
Emergency Operations Center since 1996, and spearheaded a Marin County 
Veterinary Medical Association and Marin Humane joint committee to 
educate the community on impacts on animals. When a disaster hit, Cindy 
was always quick to act. She deployed to Houston during Hurricane 
Katrina to assist with animal evacuations, the 2009 Cosco Busan oil 
spill in San Francisco Bay, and nearly every wildfire in the region.
  Among her numerous commitments, Cindy is a member and former chair of 
the Marin Humane Advocacy Committee, member and trainer of the 
CalAnimals Training Committee, Advisory Member of the Big Cat Sanctuary 
Alliance, and co-founder of the Marin County Hoarding Alliance 
Taskforce. Cindy was also pivotal in creating a non-lethal predator 
control model in collaboration with Marin's Agricultural Commission and 
Project Coyote, which remains in use today.
  Mr. Speaker, I have personally witnessed Cindy in action and can 
attest to her knowledge, skills, and commitment to animal welfare. As 
Cindy Machado retires after 40 years of service, she leaves an 
indelible legacy of good deeds for animals in Marin County and the 
extended region. I respectfully ask that you join me in expressing 
heartfelt gratitude to Cindy for her generosity of spirit, innumerable 
achievements and in sending her best wishes on her next endeavors.

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