Bill Text: NJ SJR59 | 2014-2015 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates September of each year as "New Jersey Adopt a Shelter Pet Month."
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 2)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-09-18 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee [SJR59 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2014-SJR59-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator DIANE B. ALLEN
District 7 (Burlington)
Senator JENNIFER BECK
District 11 (Monmouth)
SYNOPSIS
Designates September of each year as "New Jersey Adopt a Shelter Pet Month."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating September of each year as "New Jersey Adopt a Shelter Pet Month."
Whereas, According to the Humane Society of the United States, approximately six to eight million pets are placed in shelters each year; and
Whereas, Due to the overcrowding at shelters, it is estimated that 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the United States; and
Whereas, Of all the animals at shelters in the United States, only 15 to 20 percent of dogs are returned to their owners, and less than two percent of cats are returned to their owners; and
Whereas, While it may be impossible to determine the precise number of stray dogs and cats in the United States, it is estimated that there are up to 70 million stray cats in the United States; and
Whereas, Dogs from "puppy mills" are housed in deplorable conditions and are often neglected, and many dogs that are purchased from puppy mills, either directly or indirectly by consumers, have medical issues as a result of the neglect and housing conditions; and
Whereas, By adopting a pet from an animal shelter, the adopter saves two lives: the life of the adopted animal and another animal that can be rescued because of the available shelter space; and
Whereas, Most shelters provide medical examinations and vaccinations to shelter animals, providing the adopter with a healthy pet at a cost that is lower than the cost of a pet from a breeder or a pet store; and
Whereas, Most shelters spay or neuter the animals taken in, thereby helping to reduce over-population issues; and
Whereas, Shelters and pet rescues have many different kinds of dogs and cats, including purebred dogs and puppies and kittens, and shelters take in new animals on a regular basis; and
Whereas, Most animals are surrendered to shelters and rescues through no fault of their own, for reasons such as owner allergies, or relocation or death of owner, despite the common misconception that shelter animals are more likely to have behavioral or health issues than dogs from breeders; and
Whereas, Adopting a pet not only improves the life of an animal, but it may also contribute to the health and happiness of the owner; and
Whereas, Pets provide unconditional love to their human companions, and shelter pets can provide as much love as any other pet; and
Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper, to designate September of each year as "New Jersey Adopt a Shelter Pet Month"; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. September of each year is designated as "New Jersey Adopt a Shelter Pet Month" to raise awareness of the need for pet adoption, as well as the benefits of pet ownership through adoption.
2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, and all citizens of this State, to observe "New Jersey Adopt a Shelter Pet Month" with appropriate programs and events.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution designates September of each year as "New Jersey Adopt a Shelter Pet Month." Every year, millions of animals are placed in shelters across the United States, and only a fraction of these animals are fortunate enough to be adopted.
Many animals that are not adopted are euthanized due to space constraints at shelters. Shelters and rescue organizations are filled with loving, wonderful animals just waiting for a human companion. These animals often find their way to shelters through no fault of their own. Shelters provide medical care and vaccinations to these animals, and shelters also spay and neuter animals to help control over-population issues.
Whether a person wants a puppy or a kitten, or a purebred pet, a person may find the perfect companion at a local shelter. Moreover, by adopting one animal, the space and resources in a shelter are available for another animal in need.
Many studies have shown that the companionship of an animal improves the health and well-being of a person, so the adoption of a shelter animal is mutually beneficial to the pet and the owner.
The designation of September as "New Jersey Adopt a Shelter Pet Month" raises awareness as to the ongoing need for pet adoption, as well as the benefits and joy of pet ownership.
