PRINTER'S NO. 2892
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
704
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY BULLOCK, MCCLINTON, THOMAS, HENNESSEY, W. KELLER,
SONNEY, DUSH, YOUNGBLOOD, SCHREIBER, COHEN, LONGIETTI,
DONATUCCI, V. BROWN, MURT, SCHLOSSBERG, CALTAGIRONE, VEREB,
KILLION, EVERETT, ELLIS, WHEELAND, KIRKLAND, ROZZI, O'BRIEN,
MILLARD, D. COSTA, SANTARSIERO, KAVULICH, GIBBONS,
DiGIROLAMO, NEILSON, MARSICO, WATSON, A. HARRIS, READSHAW,
SCHLEGEL CULVER, ROSS AND GINGRICH, FEBRUARY 26, 2016
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
FEBRUARY 26, 2016
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of February 2016 as "National Spay and
Neuter Awareness Month" and February 23, 2016, as "World Spay
Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Cats and dogs offer faithful companionship for pet
owners within this Commonwealth, yet millions of homeless
animals enter animal shelters each year; and
WHEREAS, Pet ownership involves many responsibilities and
offers many benefits for individuals and families in this
Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Spaying or neutering our companion animals and feral
cats effectively and humanely reduces the public health hazards
and other costs associated with animal overpopulation; and
WHEREAS, Veterinarians perform the procedure while animals
are under general anesthesia, with few intraoperative or
postoperative complications; and
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WHEREAS, For young, healthy dogs or cats, spay or neuter
surgery generally costs less than most major surgeries; and
WHEREAS, Affordable spay and neuter options are available to
pet owners through subsidized spay and neuter clinics or
programs; and
WHEREAS, Free or low-cost resources are available in the
United States and may be available internationally; and
WHEREAS, Spayed or neutered companion animals may be subject
to reduced licensing fees in some jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, Spayed or neutered cats and dogs experience a lower
incidence of infectious disease, trauma and certain cancers than
unaltered animals; and
WHEREAS, The long-term health and behavioral benefits for
spayed or neutered cats and dogs may contribute to an increased
life expectancy; and
WHEREAS, In particular, spayed female dogs may live 23%
longer than those who are not spayed; and
WHEREAS, "National Spay and Neuter Awareness Month"
highlights the important role of spay and neuter efforts in
controlling animal overpopulation and improving the lives of our
companion animals; and
WHEREAS, When two unaltered cats or dogs and their unaltered
offspring can multiply to as many as 60,000 animals within a
six-year period, the efficacy of spay and neuter efforts
concerns public and private entities; and
WHEREAS, "World Spay Day," an annual campaign of The Humane
Society of the United States, Humane Society International and
the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, highlights
the impact of spay and neuter efforts and the need for
affordable services, especially in underserved communities;
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therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of February 2016 as "National Spay and Neuter Awareness
Month" and February 23, 2016, as "World Spay Day" in
Pennsylvania to raise public awareness and funding related to
animal welfare and to promote cooperation among pet owners,
veterinary professionals and animal advocates.
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