1Recognizing October 20 through 26, 2013, as "Adopt a Shelter Pet
2Week" in Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, By celebrating Adopt a Shelter Pet Week in this
4Commonwealth, we will encourage pet adoption at local animal
5shelters and raise awareness of the strain felt by local animal
6shelters because of the faltering economy and an overpopulation
7of animals; and

8WHEREAS, Many of these animals are euthanized because they
9are not reclaimed by their owners or adopted by new owners; and

10WHEREAS, Young, healthy, friendly animals are often
11euthanized simply because there are not enough good homes for
12them, making it more important than ever to help local shelters
13by adopting a pet; and

14WHEREAS, In the United States, six to eight million homeless
15pets enter animal shelters each year with as many as two million
16seven hundred thousand being euthanized; and

1WHEREAS, Pet ownership has been shown to promote a healthy
2lifestyle by encouraging exercise and socialization; and

3WHEREAS, Studies show that children who interact with pets
4have higher self-esteem, enhanced social skills and can cope
5better with their emotions; and

6WHEREAS, Adopting a pet from a shelter and caring for that
7animal for the rest of its life can help to responsibly reduce
8animal shelter overcrowding; and

9WHEREAS, The United States and this Commonwealth have
10enormous problems with animal overpopulation, a problem that
11worsens as the economy declines; and

12WHEREAS, Shelter animals are usually spayed and neutered
13before being released to new owners, thus reducing the problem
14of pet overpopulation; and

15WHEREAS, Animal shelters are focused on animal placement and
16providing low-cost adoptions so that everyone can have the
17opportunity to bring a loving pet into his or her home; and

18WHEREAS, State and local budget reductions have the potential
19to increase the strain on local animal shelter systems,
20threatening the lives of thousands of animals; and

21WHEREAS, Adopting a pet from a local shelter is one way the
22people of this Commonwealth can make a difference not only in
23their lives but in the lives of animals in need; therefore be it

24RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the week of October 20
25through 26, 2013, as "Adopt a Shelter Pet Week" in Pennsylvania.