AWI Mourns Congressman Raúl Grijalva, an Exceptional Champion for Animals aalberg Fri, 03/14/2025 - 14:39 Photo by natureguy March 14, 2025 Washington, DC—Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), a staunch advocate for animals and the environment who dedicated half a century to public service, died Thursday at the age of 77.In response, Susan Millward, executive director and chief executive officer of the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), issued the following statement:“Congressman Grijalva was a passionate supporter of the Endangered Species Act, defending it time and time again from attacks. As chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources and co-chair of the ESA Caucus, he was tireless in his advocacy for this bedrock conservation law. Additionally, he sponsored important conservation bills such as the RESCUE Whales Act; Extinction Prevention Act; Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act; and Tribal Heritage and American Bison, Grizzly Bear, and Wolf Restoration and Coexistence Act. “His compassion truly extended to all animals. He strongly supported protecting our nation’s wild horses and burros, championing the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Protection Act and other efforts to humanely manage herds. He also led the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act to end the use of wild animals in circuses.“AWI has deeply valued our partnership with Rep. Grijalva on these crucial issues over the years, and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such a principled and kind man. We send our condolences to his family and staff, and we will carry on his legacy of fierce and unyielding advocacy for all living beings.” Media Contact Information Marjorie Fishman, Animal Welfare Institutemargie@awionline.org, (202) 446-2128 The Animal Welfare Institute (awionline.org) is a nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1951 and dedicated to alleviating animal suffering caused by people. We seek to improve the welfare of animals everywhere: in agriculture, in commerce, in our homes and communities, in research, and in the wild. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and LinkedIn for updates and other important animal protection news.