Legislative work prompts recognition.

The Humane Society of the United States has named Assemblyman Cameron Smyth (R-Santa Clarita) as its Humane Legislator of the Year for his common sense approach to protecting animals and local shelters.  Smyth was recognized at an event in Los Angeles on Thursday, October 29.

“I had the opportunity to work closely with the Humane Society as the author of the Spay Day USA resolution, as well as on my bill to alleviate rising cost pressures on local animal shelters by providing a tax deduction for adopting shelter pets,” said Smyth.  “We also teamed up to film a public service announcement, and to rally support for a number of other animal protection bills.”

Earlier this year, Smyth introduced Assembly Bill 233, which would have provided a tax deduction for the fees associated with adopting a pet from an animal shelter, and Assembly Concurrent Resolution 19, which declared February 24, 2009 as Spay Day USA 2009 and encouraged, but did not require, pet owners to have their pets spayed or neutered.  Both measures received strong bipartisan support, and were viewed as common sense approaches to reduce costs to local governments.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from the Humane Society for my work in the legislature this year,” said Smyth.  “I appreciate their passion and commitment to animal welfare issues, and I am proud to be one of their legislators of the year.”