Humane Society of Huron Valley to Honor Michigan State Representative Matt Koleszar with Legislator of the Year Award for Animal Advocacy
Ann Arbor, MI (September 5, 2024) — The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is proud to announce that Michigan State Representative Matt Koleszar will be honored with the Legislator of the Year award at the annual “Compassionate Feast” dinner and fundraising event. The award will be presented on Friday, November 8, at St. John’s Resort in Plymouth, Michigan, in recognition of Rep. Koleszar’s outstanding contributions to animal welfare and his tireless advocacy for legislative reforms to protect Michigan’s animals.
Rep. Koleszar, who represents Michigan’s 22nd House District, has been a steadfast champion for animals throughout his tenure in the state legislature. His notable work includes his introduction of HB 4849, also known as “Queenie’s Law,” which would end painful experiments on dogs and cats in Michigan’s public institutions, establishing stronger protections for animals across the state. The legislation, named after a beagle who suffered and ultimately died following experiments at Wayne State University, reflects Rep. Koleszar’s commitment to both animals and people.
As a former educator and long-time resident of Plymouth, Rep. Koleszar has consistently advocated for humane and ethical treatment of animals, aligning his public service with the values of compassion and justice. His efforts have not only brought greater awareness to the importance of animal rights but have also paved the way for meaningful change within Michigan’s legal system.
“We need to do more to protect animals. They are part of our families. In the case of Queenie’s Law, these experiments are not only inhumane for the animals; they’ve wasted nearly $15 million in taxpayer dollars without producing any treatments for patients,” Koleszar said.
“We are thrilled to honor Representative Koleszar with this award,” said Tanya Hilgendorf, CEO of HSHV. “His dedication to improving the lives of animals and his role in advancing critical legislation like Queenie’s Law exemplify the kind of leadership and compassion that our community values. There is so much more we can and should be doing to protect animals. We are grateful for his continued efforts to make Michigan a more humane place for all living beings.”
The “Compassionate Feast” is an annual event hosted by HSHV to celebrate the community’s role in the organization’s achievements and raise vital funds to support its ongoing lifesaving efforts. This year’s event promises an evening of inspiring stories; gourmet, plant-based cuisine; and the presentation of awards, including that to Rep. Koleszar.
Tickets for the “Compassionate Feast” are available now, with all proceeds benefiting homeless and abused animals in our community. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.hshv.org/feast.
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About The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV):
The Humane Society of Huron Valley, located in Ann Arbor, is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and relies solely on the generosity of our supporters to provide critical community programs and services. HSHV is an award-winning organization, recognized for our best practices and highest animal “save-rate” among all similar shelters in Michigan. Charity Navigator, the nation’s top charity evaluator, awarded HSHV a 4-star ranking, the highest possible. The mission of HSHV is to promote the loving, responsible care of all animals in our community. HSHV is not affiliated with any other humane organization and does not receive funding from the United Way. More information can be found on HSHV’s website (hshv.org) and on our annual report (hshv.org/annualreport).