August 21, 2024

Letter to the Editor:

Berkley stands up for animals

City of Las Vegas Mayoral Debate

Steve Marcus

Shelley Berkley, candidate for City of Las Vegas mayor, waits in a break during a debate with Victoria Seaman at the Plaza in downtown Las Vegas Thursday, May 9, 2024.

On Nov. 5, Las Vegas will get to elect a mayor with a strong track record of action on animal protection. As a voter who cares about animal welfare, I support Shelley Berkley, the pro-animal candidate who can make a difference for Las Vegas’ animals.

Berkley has fought for animal protection at some of the highest levels of government and is ready to put that know-how into action as mayor. In Congress, she cosponsored several humane bills, including measures to prohibit the slaughter of wild horses, end the use of chimpanzees in federal research, and increase penalties for violating federal law on animal fighting.

Berkley has also consistently opposed cruelty toward companion animals, avidly opposing puppy mills and voting in favor of legislation to address gaps in breeding standards.

We can trust Berkley to fight for companion animals and wildlife. She did it in Congress and would bring that compassion with her to the mayorship. The choice could not be clearer — a vote for Berkley is a vote for animal protection.

The writer is state director of state affairs for the Humane Society Legislative Fund.