PRINTER'S NO. 2252
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
428
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY T. DAVIS, SHUSTERMAN, HILL-EVANS, KORTZ,
DONATUCCI, KIRKLAND, HENNESSEY, SCHLOSSBERG, BURNS, KINSEY,
DiGIROLAMO, READSHAW, MILLARD, McCLINTON, WEBSTER, HEFFLEY,
LONGIETTI, McNEILL, COMITTA, ULLMAN, WILLIAMS AND
CALTAGIRONE, JUNE 25, 2019
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
JUNE 25, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Designating July 1, 2019, as "Fireworks and Animal Anxiety
Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Research has shown that pet ownership provides
numerous mental and physical health benefits for individuals;
and
WHEREAS, In a 2016 study, nearly 75% of pet owners reported
improvements in mental health from pet ownership; and
WHEREAS, Like their owners, dogs, cats and other household
pets may also suffer from a variety of mental health conditions,
including anxiety; and
WHEREAS, Sources of fear, anxiety and stress for pets may
include past trauma, separation from their owner, social
situations involving humans or other animals and loud noises,
including thunder and fireworks; and
WHEREAS, The onset of sensitivity to loud noises and anxiety
in general in older pets may be a sign that the animal is
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experiencing pain; and
WHEREAS, According to a recent study published in the Journal
of Veterinary Behavior, approximately 39% of dogs suffer from
noise sensitivity; and
WHEREAS, Symptoms of anxiety in pets may be difficult to
recognize or may be confused with other behavioral problems; and
WHEREAS, Symptoms of anxiety in dogs may include increased
salivation, decreased activity, excessive barking, hiding and
aggression; and
WHEREAS, Symptoms of anxiety in cats may include excessive
grooming, urine spraying, excessive vocalization, altered
appetite, not using the litter box and changes in activity; and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth recently expanded access to
consumer fireworks so it is more important than ever that pet
owners take precautions to keep their pets safe and secure as
the Independence Day holiday approaches; and
WHEREAS, Pet owners can take a variety of steps to soothe
their animals during fireworks displays and other stressful
situations, including providing sufficient exercise during the
day, creating safe interior spaces and utilizing white noise
such as a loud fan or a radio; and
WHEREAS, Pets provide us with unconditional love, affection
and companionship so it is important that we prioritize their
well-being; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate July 1,
2019, as "Fireworks and Animal Anxiety Awareness Day" in
Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That pet owners throughout this Commonwealth
consider the mental and emotional well-being of their animals
during Independence Day celebrations.
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