Senator Trent Lott Welcomes Benji to D.C.

Senator Trent Lott welcomes the new Benji, a fellow Mississippian, to the Nation's Capital.

Washington, D.C. May 14, 1002 -- The face of lobbying might never be the same after international canine superstar Benji's trip to Capitol Hill. Benji was in Washington D.C. the week of May 13 on a whirlwind tour to convince congressional leaders that spending time and effort for the benefit of children and homeless animals is t ime and effort very well-spent indeed.

The new Benji, who has partnered with the American Humane Association to help get homeless animals adopted, was, herself, a stray six short months ago, lost and alone, on the back streets of Pass Christian, Mississippi. She was picked up by Animal Care and Control and taken to the South Mississippi Humane Society in Gulfport where she was discovered by Benji creator Joe Camp and adopted to take over as the world's most huggable hero.

One of the floppy-eared mutt's first stops in Washington was the Capitol offices of Senator Trent Lott. This was the first time Lott had shaken paws with one of his home state's most famous goodwill ambassadors. Both hail from the Mississippi Gulf coast. Lott and Benj's creator Joe Camp and American Humane President Tim O'Brien discussed pending legislation that would regulate inhumane treatment of breeding females in puppy mills.

CNN followed Benji, O'Brien, and Camp on visits to Senator Wayne Allard (Colorado) and Representative Connie Morella (Maryland), both of whom have been active in efforts for homeless and helpless companion animals. The group also visited Pete Stark (California), and others in their offices, lobbying for focus on the Animal Welfare Act which sets minimum standards of humane care for animals in the pet trade but exempts retail pet stores from its requirements. For 30 years, the USDA has extended this exemption to home breeders who sell dogs and cats as pets from their own premises. In other words, puppy mills. The court has ruled that such a definition is "overly broad and violates the law as well as congressional intent." "There are so many deplorable conditions and so much cruelty and abuse in this category," says Camp. "Yet, the USDA has decided to appeal the court's decision. I don’t understand that. We're asking congressional leaders to help convince the USDA that these puppy mills need monitoring.”

The highlight of the canine superstar's visit to the Nation's capital was an appearance at an American Humane Association reception honoring congressional leaders who have stepped out for children and animals during the 107th Congress. Bob Roth, AHA VP of Public Programs, says, "We believe that Members of Congress deserve support and recognition for their positive stances on children and/or animal issues." The awards are given based upon legislative record on specific issues involving children and animals.

When not out stumping for children and homeless animals, the new Benji is in intensive trai ning for her first motion picture, which begins production later this year (See New Benji Movie). Benji movies are unique among animal genres because Benji is always the emotional center, the three-dimensional heart-and-soul of the story. It’s all from the dog’s point-of-view and Benji must actually express emotion just as a human actor would; without animation; without words. A real dog struggling to overcome obstacles. The original Benji’s ability to do just that is what catapulted the character into international stardom.

The search for a new Benji in shelters across the country began in Chicago last August because The American Humane Association reported that the original Benji’s rescue from an animal shelter was the direct cause of more than a million adoptions. Since August, the search and introduction of the new Benji have generated more than 120,000,000 media exposures for the adoption efforts of shelters and rescue groups everywhere (See Meet the New Benji). And whenever the new Benji makes an appearance, she will be represent ing the kind of loving, caring companion people can find at their local animal shelter.

More than 71,000,000 people have watched Benji movies in theaters, over half of them adults. All Benji movies grossed within the top 10% of box office grosses for their year of release, and more than one billion people have watched Benji movies and programs on television. Benji has twice been awarded AGVA’s Animal Entertainer of the Year and two of Benji's primetime specials were nominated for Emmys.