Rep. Raúl Grijalva Was a Champion for Animals

Animals have lost a stalwart advocate with the passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva.

Mr. Grijalva was appalled to learn about an aging elephant named Nosey who was being hauled around the country and used for rides, even though she was sick and her broken body riddled with osteoarthritis. He wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture asking that Nosey be given a comprehensive examination to determine whether she should be confiscated. Nosey was eventually rescued and is now thriving in a sanctuary.

“Nosey has reportedly undergone long-term abuse and has suffered serious, willful, and chronic violations of the Animal Welfare Act”

Grijalva also championed realistic and cost-effective human simulators to replace archaic U.S. military medical training in which thousands of live animals are shot, stabbed, and killed each year; called on the National Institute of Mental Health to end cruel and pointless psychological tests on animals; and urged the National Institutes of Health to send 300 baby monkeys used in sadistic maternal-deprivation experiments to reputable sanctuaries.

Mr. Grijalva’s compassion was far-reaching. He condemned China’s Yulin Dog Meat Festival and called on the Chinese government to end the trade in dog meat, where more than 10 million dogs are killed for meat every year.

Grijalva’s legacy exemplifies the impact that one person can make for animals. But you don’t have to be an elected official to make a difference. Start writing your own legacy today by speaking out against all forms of cruelty and taking action for animals.

PETA is nonpartisan. Because we’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization, IRS regulations prohibit us from endorsing a particular candidate or party. We do, however, work with legislators of all party affiliations and recognize the accomplishments of politicians who have helped pass laws protecting animals, regardless of their party.