Office of Public Policy

About Us

At both the state and federal levels, American Humane's Office of Public Policy actively monitors and advocates for legislation that protects children and animals from abuse and neglect. Our director of public policy, a former prosecuting attorney and nationally recognized trainer in child and animal protection, and our office’s expert staff advocate for improved legislation, engage in grassroots outreach efforts to mobilize communities to become a voice for better laws, and educate child and animal welfare professionals on The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as other humane education topics.

To further American Humane’s mission, the Office of Public Policy participates in the following coalitions:

National Child Abuse Coalition
National Child Welfare and Mental Health Coalition
National Foster Care Coalition
National Juvenile Justice Delinquency & Prevention Coalition
Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Animal Services Committee

Contact US

Office of Public Policy
American Humane Association
206 N Washington St, Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314

Phone: 703-836-7387
Fax: 703-549-5437

Allie Phillips -- Vice President
Tracy Coppola -- Legislative Analyst
Patty Chavez - Legislative Analyst

Neglected Horses Win in Court

Michigan -vs- Henderson and Mercier: On February 4, 2009, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued a landmark ruling in this horse abuse case clarifying the intent required for animal cruelty. American Humane supported the prosecution through an amicus brief.

Read the opinion and American Humane’s brief.

Legislative Initiatives

American Humane signs on to support these legislative initiatives. Download them for details:

Request for increased CAPTA funding

Children in Health Reform

Health Reform Support Letter

Letter to support the HAPPY Act

Support for incremental tenant-based voucher letter to Senate

Home visitation letter to House Republican Conference

Letter to support the rescission of Medicaid Targeted Case Management Options

Home Visiting Letter to Congress

Letter to Congress to support home visiting funding

Support for Juvenile Justice Reauthorization

Full Funding for VAWA/FVPSA

Letter to President Obama Regarding Children’s Mental Health Care Reform

Healthcare Reform Letter to President Obama

Helping Children through the Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Support Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act

Protection for Crime Victims Fund and VOCA

Byrne Grant/COPS Grant Increase in Economic Stimulus

Increase Child Welfare Funding in Economic Stimulus

CAPTA and SSBG Funds in Economic Stimulus Package

VAWA Appropriations Letter

VAWA/VOCA Appropriations Letter

Including Homeless Children in Stimulus Package

Compassionate Shopping Guide (PDF)

American Humane is a founding member of the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), the organization behind the Leaping Bunny program for animal-friendly products.