Cavalry Group honors two Idaho lawmakers over working animal law

By AI, Created 6:21 PM UTC, May 27, 2026, /AGP/ – The Cavalry Group named Idaho Sen. Brandon Shippy and Rep. John Shirts its “Legislator of the Year” after Idaho enacted a law aimed at shielding lawful animal businesses and agritourism from local bans. The measure, signed by Gov. Brad Little, gives Idaho a place alongside Oklahoma and Arkansas in adopting the group’s model legislation.

Why it matters: - Idaho’s new law is meant to limit local governments from blocking lawful animal-based businesses, exhibitions, transportation, entertainment, education and agritourism. - The measure affects working animal operators, agriculture businesses and rural tourism tied to Idaho’s farm economy. - The law also signals growing state-level resistance to local restrictions on animal enterprise.

What happened: - The Cavalry Group named Idaho State Sen. Brandon Shippy and Idaho State Rep. John Shirts recipients of its “Legislator of the Year” award. - The award recognizes their role in advancing Idaho Senate Bill 1241, the Working Animal Protection Act. - Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed the legislation into law earlier this year. - The Idaho House passed the bill 68-1, showing broad bipartisan support.

The details: - The Working Animal Protection Act was originally authored and developed by The Cavalry Group. - The law blocks local governments from enacting bans or restrictions aimed at lawful animal enterprise and agritourism activities. - The legislation is intended to keep those activities governed by state and federal rules, science-based standards and experienced animal husbandry professionals. - The Cavalry Group said the law helps protect Idaho families, agritourism, educational outreach and agricultural traditions. - The group’s award is reserved for elected officials it views as defending constitutional rights, private property rights, agriculture and lawful animal enterprise. - Idaho joins Oklahoma and Arkansas as states that have enacted versions of the group’s Working Animal Protection Act. - The company said the state-level trend reflects increasing pressure on working animal industries at the local level.

Between the lines: - The award is also a political signal: The Cavalry Group is elevating lawmakers who align with its push to preempt local animal-welfare restrictions. - The legislation frames the fight as a property-rights and agricultural issue, not just an animal-industry issue. - The group argues activist pressure is driving local bans, while supporters cast the law as a preventive step.

What’s next: - The Cavalry Group is likely to keep promoting similar legislation in other states as part of its national campaign. - Idaho’s new law may serve as a model for additional state bills that limit local control over animal-based business rules. - The debate over working animals and agritourism is likely to continue at the state and local levels.