HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

150th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 57

AS AMENDED BY

HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 1

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

WHEREAS, the State of Delaware is full of shelter dogs looking for a forever home; and

WHEREAS, there are many animal welfare agencies in the State of Delaware who are proud to provide care for these homeless dogs, striving to enhance the well-being of companion animals and committing to ending pet overpopulation; and

WHEREAS, they promote the humane treatment of animals by providing adoption opportunities, low-cost veterinary services, and education programs; and

WHEREAS, usually when adopting a pet, the cost of spay and neuter, first vaccinations (and sometimes microchipping) is included in the adoption price, saving the up-front costs of adding a new member to your family; and

WHEREAS, when shelter dogs are spayed or neutered and receive vaccinations, they are happier and healthier; and

WHEREAS, adopting a shelter dog saves a life, breaks the cycle of pet overpopulation, and stops cruelty in mass breeding facilities; and

WHEREAS, each year 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States simply because too many pets come into shelters and too few people consider adoption when looking for a pet; and

WHEREAS, the number of euthanized animals could be reduced dramatically if more people adopted dogs instead of buying them, opening up shelter space for another dog who might desperately need it; and

WHEREAS, dogs give unconditional love, and have been shown to be psychologically, emotionally and physically beneficial to their companions, giving one a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and lessening feelings of loneliness; and

WHEREAS, many dogs from shelters and rescues are already house-trained, which means not only is a dog’s life being saved, but your rug could be saved as well; and

WHEREAS, animal shelters and rescue groups are brimming with happy, healthy dogs just waiting for someone to take them home.

NOW, THEREFORE:

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

Section 1. Amend § 327, Title 29 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strikethrough and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 327. State dog [Expired] .

This act designates rescue dogs as the official state dog.

Section 2. This Act shall expire 1 year after its enactment into law.