TITLE: Recognizing October 2011 as Adopt a Shelter Pet Month in Texas.

SUMMARY: Recognizing October 2011 as Adopt a Shelter Pet Month in Texas.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Pet overpopulation is a serious problem, both in Texas and throughout the nation; and WHEREAS, Many of the animals in shelters must be euthanized because they are not reclaimed by their former owners or adopted by new owners; young, healthy, and friendly animals are too often put to sleep simply because homes are not found for them and resources and space at shelters are limited, especially in these challenging economic times; and WHEREAS, Shelters offer low-cost adoptions, allowing aspiring pet owners to affordably befriend a new animal companion; moreover, pets from shelters are generally spayed or neutered at the time of adoption, which helps reduce future numbers of unwanted animals; and WHEREAS, Providing a home for a pet has been shown to promote a healthy lifestyle for owners by providing opportunities for exercise and social interaction with other pet owners; studies also indicate that children who help care for pets have higher self-esteem and enhanced social skills; and WHEREAS, Adopting pets from local animal shelters helps reduce the burdens placed on these vital community resources and makes a profound difference in the lives of animals in need as well as in the lives of the people who take them into their hearts and homes; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby recognize October 2011 as Adopt a Shelter Pet Month in Texas and encourage citizens across the state to enrich their lives by adopting an animal from a local shelter. Rodriguez Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 131 was adopted by the House on February 17, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House