Recently, the Humane Society Legislative Fund announced their support of Barack Obama for President. It's a significant endorsement given the huge number of animal lovers in this country and the fact that the HSLF has never before endorsed a candidate for the top spot.

In the Humane Society statement, they cite Sen. Obama's legislative history of animal protection, but I can't help but wonder if his opponent's running mate had something to do with their decision. Gov. Palin has an abysmal record on animal rights, fighting against protections for polar bears, and promoting the disgusting practice of shooting animals from low flying planes with high powered rifles. Just this week, Palin added the beluga whale to her hit list.

Even the Bush administration, whose environmental record is pretty pathetic, won't go so far as to oppose protection of these incredible animals.

In addition to the Obama endorsement, the HSLF gave Senator Kerry his fifth consecutive 100% rating.

KERRY SCORES 100% ON HUMANE SOCIETY HUMANE SCORECARD

BOSTON – Senator John Kerry today received a score of 100% on the Humane Society’s Humane Scorecard on animal protection issues during the 110th Congress. His score was based on his opposition to horse slaughter, animal fighting, downed animal slaughter and his work to prohibit the use in research of dogs and cats obtained from unknown sources – including stolen family pets.

"The Humane Society should be applauded for its work championing the cause of protecting animals, and I'm proud to receive a 100% rating from the group," said Senator Kerry. "I'll continue to be an advocate for animal rights and work with my colleagues in Washington to ensure the Humane Society has a strong voice in Congress that recognizes and furthers its work on behalf of all animals."

Kerry was a co-sponsor of the Horse Slaughter Amendment, legislation that prohibits the slaughter of horses for human consumption. He also co-sponsored the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act which created felony-level penalties for violations of the federal law on dog fighting and cockfighting. In addition, Kerry was a co-sponsor of the Downed Animal Protection Act which prohibits USDA certification of meat from sick or injured livestock.

Every year the Humane Society Legislative Fund creates a federal Humane Scorecard to give a snapshot of the animal protection issues considered by the U.S. Congress. The scorecard tracks key votes as well as co-sponsorship of pro-animal bills. This is the fifth consecutive year that Senator Kerry has received a score of 100%.

There's a lot that's not covered in the HSLF statement on Sen. Kerry's work for animal rights, including his protection of the North Atlantic right whale and the polar bear, but a lot of that's probably covered in his 100% rating from the LCV for his tireless efforts to preserve ANWR. The LCV also endorsed Senator Obama.

KERRY SCORES 100% ON LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS' SCORECARD

BOSTON – Senator John Kerry today received a score of 100% on the League of Conservation Voters’ (LCV) scorecard on environmental issues during the second session of the 110th Congress. His score was based on his work on global warming and moving America towards a clean energy future.

"I am proud and honored to receive a 100% rating from the League of Conservation Voters. LCV should be applauded for its work championing the protection of our environment. Over the years we have worked together to stop drilling in the Arctic refuge, increase fuel efficiency of cars and trucks and reduce carbon emissions from power plants,” said Senator Kerry. “Come January, with Barack Obama in the Oval Office and a stronger, Democratic majority in Congress, we can end the era that put big oil ahead of everyday Americans and work to build a better future for children and our children’s children.”

Ever since John Kerry spoke at first Earth Day in Massachusetts 38 years ago, he has been a top leader on the environment, fighting to clean up toxic waste sites, to keep our air and water clean, to raise our nation’s CAFE standards, and to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other pristine wilderness areas.

Every year the League of Conservation Voters releases a “scorecard” to give voters a snapshot of how members of Congress vote on certain environmental issues. The scorecard tracks key votes as well as co-sponsorship of pro-environment bills.

LCV, the nation’s independent voice for the environment, engages in public education, lobbying and accountability to turn environmental values into public policy. LCV has made global warming and America’s energy future a central focus of its activities in Congress and in the 2008 election cycle.

I find it absolutely incredible that any American would want to move backward on animal and environmental protection, but apparently the few remaining Palin fans out there either don't know about her record or don't care. Good thing the rest of us do.

Congratulations and thanks to Senator Kerry and to and Senators Obama and Biden for their efforts on behalf of the humane treatment of animals and their stewardship of our precious natural resources.