Citing her tireless efforts on the behalf of animals, the U.S. Humane Society named State Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles from the 36th District its Legislator of the Year.

“I could not be more honored to receive this award, especially as it came from the national organization representing millions of members throughout the country,” Kohl-Welles said in a press release. “The Humane Society is an organization whose work I greatly admire.”

Kohl-Welles was recognized specifically for her 2009 legislation to curb puppy mills in our state.

Senate Bill 5561, as signed into law last year, prohibits an individual from possessing more than 50 non-neutered dogs older than 6 months at one time.

The bill also set standards for kennel size, exercise, sanitary conditions and basic care.

The basic standards included providing clean food and water, allowing dogs to leave their cages for at least an hour a day and having clean housing. Violators are guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

“This bill would not have made it through the legislature and to the governor’s desk without the tireless efforts of the Humane Society and other animal advocates, including Whitman Middle School students Audrey Long and Theresa Edwards, who brought the idea to me three years ago and testified on behalf of the legislation at every public hearing of the bill,” Kohl-Welles said.