H.R. No. 131

R E S O L U T I O N

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