WASHINGTON (Sept. 16, 2009)—The Humane Society Legislative Fund has launched its first "There Oughta Be a Law" contest asking citizens to submit input for a new federal bill to help animals. A distinguished panel of judges is comprised of Reps. Jim Moran, D-Va., and John Campbell, R-Calif., and HSLF President Michael Markarian. Along with selecting the winning idea from thousands of entries from across the country, the panel will join the nationwide "Let's Pass a Law" Party Animals conference call on Oct. 25 to announce the winner.

HSLF has already received about 3,000 entries. The submissions cover a wide range of issues, including better protections for animals used in research, improving laws for pets, and ensuring better treatment for farm animals.

"It is a pleasure to be a part of an effort that encourages legislation originating at the grassroots level. I am happy to be a judge in the 'There Oughta be a Law' contest," said Rep. Campbell.

The winner of the "There Oughta Be a Law" contest will receive a two-day trip to Washington, D.C. that will include a meeting with HSLF staff to discuss his or her proposed bill, a visit to Capitol Hill to lobby federal lawmakers and congressional staff, and a special feature in an upcoming edition of HSLF's bimonthly newsletter Humane Activist.

 "I'm pleased to have an opportunity to judge the first-ever HSLF 'There Oughta be a Law' contest," said Rep. Moran, "I'm certain that we'll see terrific ideas for a federal animal protection bill."

Reps. Campbell and Moran are two of the leading advocates for animals in the nation's capitol, and they are fighting to make change on behalf of animals.

Rep. Moran is the lead sponsor of the Truth in Fur Labeling Act, H.R. 2480, to require accurate labeling of fur-trimmed jackets so consumers are not duped into buying animal fur, and he is the co-chairman of the newly formed Congressional Animal Protection Caucus. Rep. Campbell is a lead sponsor of the Bear Protection Act, H.R. 3480, to stop the poaching of bears by banning the trade in their gall bladders and bile, and he was a major supporter of Proposition 2 in California, ending the extreme confinement of farm animals in small crates and cages where they can barely move.

"We're thrilled to have this panel of judges to choose the winning concept," said Sara Amundson, executive director of HSLF, "Every good law starts as an idea, and people who care about animals know first-hand the problems and challenges they face so we urge all engaged citizens to submit their entry."

Party Animals is a grassroots house party network that brings people together on one night at the same time for a party with a purpose. Using tools provided by HSLF, party hosts create their own Web site, establish a fundraising goal, send invitations to friends and family and collect donations through a secure Web site.

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Media contact: Heather Sullivan: 301-548-7778, hsullivan@hslf.org

The Humane Society Legislative Fund is a social welfare organization incorporated under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and formed in 2004 as a separate lobbying affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. The HSLF works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office. On the web at www.hslf.org.

Paid for by Humane Society Legislative Fund and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. HSLF, 519 C Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002.