Animal Rescue Rhode Island honors Representatives Shekarchi, Serpa with Golden Paw awards
STATE HOUSE — Animal Rescue Rhode Island, a private, no-kill animal shelter in South Kingstown, honored House Majority Leader K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) and Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick) with its annual Golden Paw awards.
Each year, ARRI honors and individual or organization for their contributions benefiting the animals of Rhode Island. This year, Shekarchi and Serpa were honored for the tireless advocacy for animals in the state legislature. The awards were presented Friday as the organization celebrated its 80th year during its annual Diamonds in the Ruff cocktail party at the Towers in Narragansett.
“This award is tremendous honor,” said Leader Shekarchi, a long-time animal advocate whose sponsored legislation has included the creation of an animal abuser registry, banning the sale of shark fins and giving the RISPCA the right to seize dogs trained to fight. “I am humbled and gratified that my efforts to protect animals have been recognized by Animal Rescue Rhode Island, which has done so much for animals for the past 80 years.”
Representative Serpa, whose legislation protecting dogs from exposure to extreme temperatures was passed by the House of Representatives last week, said, “Animal Rescue Rhode Island has a long and well-earned reputation for serving, defending and protecting animals. I am truly honored to receive this award from such a prestigious group and look forward to continuing to make sure all animals are protected under the law.”
Source: http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/pressrelease/_layouts/RIL.PressRelease.ListStructure/Forms/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=13671