SANTA BARBARA, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Assemblymember Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara), a co-chair of the California Legislature’s Animal Caucus, announced today that he received a better-than-perfect 100+ percent score from the Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF) on their Humane Scorecard–Report on the 2009 California State Legislature.

“As his more than perfect score on the 2009 Humane Scorecard indicates, Assemblymember Pedro Nava is a true champion and a leader in advocating for animal welfare and companion animals in the California Legislature,” said Mike Markarian, President, Humane Society Legislative Fund. “Pedro Nava stands out for his outstanding leadership and effectiveness on policy issues related to animal protection.”

“I am honored to receive a better than perfect score for my efforts to fight for the humane treatment of animals. The Humane Society represents compassionate people all across our country who care deeply about animal welfare,” said Nava.

During Nava’s tenure in the legislature, he has been a strong advocate for animal welfare issues having authored and successfully passed legislation outlawing lead ammunition in specific areas of the state to protect the endangered California condor and creating enhanced penalties for spectators at dogfights. He has also authored measures to curb abuses at puppy mills and prevent convicted animal abusers from owning animals in the future.

HSLF is a nonpartisan social welfare organization that 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.