Santorum gets props from animal rightsers

This is somewhat surprising:

Puppies and kittens likely are not the first things that come to mind when many think of Sen. Rick Santorum (news, bio, voting record) — the conservative No. 3 Senate Republican known for his tough stance against abortion and gay marriage.

But Santorum, R-Pa., has won high praise from the Humane Society of the United States for pushing legislation aimed at ending breeding facilities known as puppy mills.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals also finds him a friend. “He’s a man with a heart, and he doesn’t think it’s any more acceptable to treat animals cruelly than humans,” said Mary Beth Sweetland, director of research and investigations for the Norfolk, Va.-based PETA.

Santorum, chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, said those who think of animal rights as a liberal cause should not be surprised to find him in this camp. A father of six who has a 2-year-old German Shepherd named Schatzie, he said having pets makes for a healthier home.

“To me, it’s part of a society that’s caring, sensitive to life,” Santorum said in a recent interview. “Obviously, the life of animals is fundamentally different than the life of a human being. But to me, we have a responsibility to God’s creatures to treat them humanely, and the government’s laws should reflect that.”

Good on ya, Senator.