Animal rights groups today are remembering longtime United States Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia, who died this morning at the age of 92.

Though his early political career was infused with a fair share of controversial political positions , Byrd softened over the years and became one of the few politicians on the national level to speak out against farm animal cruelty.

Gene Bauer, co-founder and president of the the anti-factory farm group, Farm Sanctuary, today issued the following statement on the passing of Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia.

“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.”

Photo credit: Aleutia via flickr