The Animal Humane Society today presented Senator Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point) with the 2021 Animal Advocate Award, recognizing her dedication to the welfare of companion animals. This award honors lawmakers who led the way and advanced companion animal welfare in Minnesota during this year’s legislative session.

Senator Ruud is the author of Senate File 73, the Companion Animal Board bill, which would establish a panel of members that would work in conjunction with the current Board of Animal Health and would also establish a companion animal license plate. Senator Ruud has maintained a strong commitment to this initiative throughout her years in the Senate, authoring similar bills in past legislative sessions. Though the bill was not passed into law this year, the language will carry over into the 2022 legislative session. Senator Ruud plans to continue championing this initiative again next year during the second half of the biennium.

“We appreciate Senator Ruud’s continued leadership on this issue and her dedication to the welfare of all companion animals in Minnesota,” said Kathy Mock, Chief Government Affairs & Community Engagement Officer of the Animal Humane Society.

“I am always happy to partner with The Animal Humane Society, and I am honored to have received this award for the second year in a row,” said Senator Ruud. “Companion animals deserve to receive proper care and love, and I am proud to continually partner with a great organization dedicated to furthering these interests. We will continue to advocate for the humane treatment of all animals next session, including those loyally providing priceless support and assistance to their owners.”