WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. - June 28 - Farm Sanctuary mourns the loss of longtime Democratic Senator from West Virginia and animal welfare proponent Robert C. Byrd, who passed away early Monday morning at the age of 92. Though his earlier political life was, at times, controversial, Byrd embraced compassion as the years progressed and became one of the few politicians on the national level to speak out against farm animal cruelty. Farm Sanctuary Co-founder and President Gene Baur today issued the following statement:

"Farm animals have lost a great advocate today with the passing of Senator Robert C. Byrd. As the longest-serving member of Congress in American history, Byrd garnered a high level of respect from his fellow members of Congress. He used his position to fight for many causes that were dear to his heart, and fortunately, farm animal protection was one such cause.

"In the summer of 2001, he gave an impassioned landmark speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate, challenging the barbaric cruelty rampant in the world of industrial animal agriculture. Byrd argued vehemently for the humane treatment of all animals and he detailed the routine atrocities that farm animals suffer on today's factory farms. He made it abundantly clear that farm animals, like all animals, feel pain, and deserve to be treated with respect.

"Byrd's courageous plea was a historic and inspirational moment for the farm animal protection movement. He will be remembered as an exceptional champion of animal welfare, someone who defended the defenseless and gave his voice to the voiceless."

If you would like to speak with Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur, please contact Meredith Turner at 646-369-6212 or mturner@farmsanctuary.org.