This AAPI Heritage Month let’s delve into the role AAPI advocates play in advancing legislative animal protection initiatives.
The voices of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) lawmakers and activists have been instrumental in shaping policies that protect animals.
California Representative Ted Lieu, a vocal advocate for animal rights, has co-sponsored bills to strengthen animal cruelty laws, increase penalties for wildlife trafficking, and prohibit the slaughter of wild horses.
Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono has been a staunch supporter of efforts to protect endangered species and champion conservation initiatives.
Grace Meng, representing New York’s 6th Congressional District, has been a supporter of animal welfare initiatives in Congress, co-sponsoring legislation to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.
Representative Ro Khanna, who represents California’s 17th Congressional District, has co-sponsored the Better CARE Act, which would help hold animal abusers and animal protection law violators accountable. Ro Khanna has also introduced the House iteration of the Farm System Reform Act, a bill that would decrease the number of farmed animals kept in extreme confinement and subjected to brutal mutilations, as well as reduce the overuse of antibiotics in agriculture.
One notable legislative victory achieved by an AAPI leader is the passage of the California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act, which prohibits the sale of cosmetics tested on animals. Spearheaded by California Assemblymember Ash Kalra, this groundbreaking legislation marked a significant milestone in the global movement toward cruelty-free beauty products. By banning the sale of cosmetics tested on animals, California sets a precedent for other states and countries to follow, paving the way for a more ethical and compassionate approach to beauty industry practices.
As we strive for a more just and humane society, let us continue to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of AAPI advocates in advancing the protection of animals everywhere.