SPONSOR:	Rep. Viola & Sen. Henry
	Reps. Baumbach, Heffernan, Keeley, Spiegelman, Wilson

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 148th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 296

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF A STATE DOG.

WHEREAS, Retrievers came into prominence because of the desire for a medium-sized dog that would do well in wild-fowling, both upland game and waterfowl; and

WHEREAS, Golden Retrievers are popular as disability assistance dogs such as being guide dogs for the blind and hearing dogs for the deaf; and

WHEREAS, they are also trained to be hunting dogs and detection dogs; and

WHEREAS, Golden Retrievers are often used on search and rescue teams because of their keen sense of smell and tracking abilities; and

WHEREAS, Goldens make great therapy dogs; and

WHEREAS, Presidents Ford and Reagan both had Golden Retrievers as pets while in office; and

WHEREAS, Goldens have an instinctive love of water and are easy to train to basic or advanced obedience standards; and

WHEREAS, the breed's friendly, gentle temperament means it is unsuited to being a professional guard dog, but its temperament has also made it the third-most popular family dog breed (by registration) in the United States, the fifth-most popular in Australia, and the eighth-most popular in the United Kingdom; and

WHEREAS, Golden Retrievers also are very smart dogs that are loyal and friendly to their caregivers; and

WHEREAS, the temperament of the Golden Retriever is a hallmark of the breed, and is described in the standard as kind, friendly, and confident; and

WHEREAS, Golden Retrievers make good family pets, particularly as they are patient with children; and

WHEREAS, the typical Golden Retriever is calm, naturally intelligent and biddable, with an exceptional eagerness to please; and

WHEREAS, they are known to take care of other animals, even cats;

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend Title 29, Chapter 3 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§326. State dog.

The Golden Retriever is the official dog of the State.

Section 2. This Act shall take effect upon its enactment into law.

Section 3.This Act shall expire 1 year after its enactment into law.

SYNOPSIS

This Act designates the Golden Retriever as the official dog of Delaware.