"This Is Your Life, Joe Biden" and Animal Welfare

November 06, 2008

Vice-President elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. ushers in a wave of hope for conservationists and animal welfare advocates, based on his Senate voting record.

Before I get into that, here is a mini "This Is Your Life, Joe Biden" in pictures. Credit for the first three pics goes to the University of Delaware Archives.

1962 Gathering of Freshman Class Officers
Can you spot Biden?

If you aced the above, see if you can spot Biden in the below 1963 photograph showing residents of the University of Delaware's Harter Hall.
 

1965 U of D Yearbook Pic

Delivering a commencement address in 2004. He received an honorary doctorate of laws degree.
(Credit: Kathy F. Atkinson)

Rally held on October 31, 2008.

(Credit: Christian Derr)

And now for a mini snapshot of his past animal-related political activities and Senate votes. According to Michael Markarian, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, vice president elect Biden:

co-sponsored measures to stop horse slaughter

upgraded penalties for animal fighting

banned the possession of fighting dogs and attendance at a dogfight

called on Canada to stop its annual massacre of baby harp seals

increased funds for the Animal Welfare Act, the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act and the federal animal fighting law

co-authored legislation, with Senator Barbara Boxer, to ban the netting of dolphins by commercial tuna fishermen

spearheaded a bill to prohibit trophy hunting of captive exotic mammals in fenced enclosures

and more.

A lot of work lies ahead but, for now, I think there is good reason to cheer and be hopeful.

Biden cheering at a 2003 NCAA Football Game in Chattanooga, Tennessee
(Credit: Eric Crossan)