AJR91,1,52 Whereas, declaring the month of October to be Adopt a Shelter Pet Month in
3Wisconsin will encourage pet adoption at local animal shelters and raise awareness
4of the strain felt by local animal shelters because of the faltering economy and an
5overpopulation of animals, including dogs, cats, pet birds, and small reptiles; and

AJR91,1,76 Whereas, many of these animals are euthanized because they are not reclaimed
7by their owners or adopted by new owners; and

AJR91,1,108 Whereas, young, healthy, and friendly animals are often euthanized simply
9because there are not enough good homes for them, making it more important than
10ever to help local animal shelters by adopting a pet; and

AJR91,1,1211 Whereas, pet ownership has been shown to promote a healthy lifestyle by
12encouraging exercise and socialization; and

AJR91,1,1413 Whereas, studies indicate that children who interact with pets have higher
14self-esteem and enhanced social skills, and can cope better with their emotions; and

AJR91,2,2

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1Whereas, adopting a pet from a shelter and caring for that animal for the rest
2of its life is a responsible way to help reduce animal shelter overcrowding; and

AJR91,2,43 Whereas, Wisconsin and the nation have an enormous problem with animal
4overpopulation, a problem that worsens as the economy declines; and

AJR91,2,65 Whereas, shelter animals are usually sterilized prior to being released to new
6owners, thus reducing the problem of overpopulation; and

AJR91,2,97 Whereas, state and local budget reductions have the potential to increase the
8strain on local animal shelter systems, threatening the lives of thousands of animals;
9and

AJR91,2,1210 Whereas, adopting pets from a local animal shelter is one way the people of
11Wisconsin can make a difference not only in their own lives, but also in the lives of
12animals in need; now, therefore, be it