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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Pet overpopulation is a serious problem, both in |
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Texas and throughout the nation; and |
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WHEREAS, Many of the animals in shelters must be euthanized |
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because they are not reclaimed by their former owners or adopted by |
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new owners; young, healthy, and friendly animals are too often put |
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to sleep simply because homes are not found for them and resources |
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and space at shelters are limited, especially in these challenging |
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economic times; and |
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WHEREAS, Shelters offer low-cost adoptions, allowing |
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aspiring pet owners to affordably befriend a new animal companion; |
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moreover, pets from shelters are generally spayed or neutered at |
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the time of adoption, which helps reduce future numbers of unwanted |
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animals; and |
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WHEREAS, Providing a home for a pet has been shown to promote |
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a healthy lifestyle for owners by providing opportunities for |
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exercise and social interaction with other pet owners; studies also |
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indicate that children who help care for pets have higher |
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self-esteem and enhanced social skills; and |
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WHEREAS, Adopting pets from local animal shelters helps |
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reduce the burdens placed on these vital community resources and |
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makes a profound difference in the lives of animals in need as well |
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as in the lives of the people who take them into their hearts and |
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homes; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize October 2011 as Adopt a Shelter Pet |
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Month in Texas and encourage citizens across the state to enrich |
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their lives by adopting an animal from a local shelter. |