Manny Rutinel faces scrutiny over animal law ties in Colorado race

Manny Rutinel, a Democratic candidate running for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, is facing scrutiny regarding his previous professional affiliations. As recently as 2024, Rutinel served as a fellow at the University of Denver’s Animal Law Program.

The program is associated with projects that advocate for the well-being of non-human animals and have promoted theories suggesting that all animals, including insects, possess sentience. The program’s mission involves educating animal law advocates and connecting animal rights to broader social and environmental issues.

Rutinel, who holds degrees from Yale, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Florida, also has experience working with Earthjustice. His candidacy comes in a competitive district that relies heavily on the ranching industry.