Retiring U.S. Rep. Jim Moran is one of this year’s recipients of the 2014 Humane Award Winners, according to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

According to an ASPCA statement, “During his last term before his retirement, Congressman Jim Moran is being awarded with this accolade from the ASPCA for being a longtime ally to animals. Rep. Moran’s unwavering dedication to ending animal cruelty and suffering gave a compassionate voice to the voiceless in the halls of Congress. The 12-term congressman has been one of Capitol Hill’s strongest champions for animal welfare, advocating for causes including ending horrific horse slaughter, cracking down on abusive animal fighting, and introducing a bill to phase out animal testing for cosmetics in the United States. As co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, Rep. Moran worked with legislators on both sides of the aisle to create humane, common-sense legislation. Rep. Moran also worked with the ASPCA to host a series of “Paws for Celebration” events to showcase the work of shelters and rescues across the United States, and bring adoptable cats and dogs to Capitol Hill. Though he leaves Congress at the end of the year, Rep. Moran has brought the discussion of animal welfare to a place of prominence in the highest level of our government, and his tireless work has created a legacy that will protect animals well into the future.”

On Thursday, Nov. 13, at noon at Cipriani on 42nd Street in New York City, the Congressman will be awarded by the ASPCA along with a therapy dog, a therapy cat, a selfless 11 year-old, and a LA-based woman committed to bettering lives of animals.