Congressman Vern Buchanan has become the first Floridian to win the Humane Society of the United States award for legislator of the year.

Buchanan compiled a 100% voting record score from the Humane Society in 2015.  Additionally he introduced legislation that will stop the export of horses to slaughterhouses in Mexico. Buchanan has also fought to stop any slaughter of horses domestically for human consumption.

This past week Buchanan formally protested the weakening of regulations protecting Manatees.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service is considering reclassifying the Manatee which has been “endangered” since the 1960’s to “threatened.”

“I’m concerned that weakening protections will lead to a decline in the manatee population,” Buchanan said. “Manatees are iconic residents of Florida. We should be doing all we can to ensure the survival of these gentle giants.”

The Humane Society also singled out Buchanan for his efforts on other animal welfare issues.