On October 13, 2009, Governor Bob Riley signed a proclamation declaring October as “Adopt a Shelter Pet Month” in Alabama in an effort to reduce the number of companion animals killed in animal shelters in Alabama each year. The proclamation acknowledges that adopting a shelter pet “is one way the people of Alabama can make a difference not only in their own lives, but also in the life of an animal in need.”
Thousands of dogs and cats are euthanized in Alabama shelters each year because too few people turn to shelters when adopting companion animals. Additionally, the shelter population is increasing because of the number of pets relinquished to shelters as a result of owners’ lifestyle changes related to economic hardship, relocation, and divorce. Governor Riley’s proclamation represents a important step on the part of State Government in recognizing the problem of pet overpopulation and encouraging citizens to make shelters and rescue organizations their first option when adopting companion animals.
Photo courtesy of Petfinder.com. The cat pictured with this story is Georgie who is available for adoption from Madison Animal Rescue Foundation in Madison, Alabama. Click here if you are interested in adopting Georgie or another animal from Madison ARF.