Reps. Warren, Lisa Brown, Byrnes, Constan, Dean, Espinoza, Gonzales, Haugh, Huckleberry, Lahti, Lemmons, Lori, Marleau, Mayes, Proos, Rogers, Slavens, Stanley and Valentine offered the following resolution:

               House Resolution No. 210.    

               A resolution to declare February 23, 2010, as Spay Day in the state of Michigan.                Whereas, More than 200,000 dogs and cats entered animal shelters in Michigan during 2008, the most recent year for which statewide data is available; and

               Whereas, More than half of these animals were not reclaimed by their owners nor adopted by new owners and thus were euthanized; and

               Whereas, In most instances these dogs and cats are young, healthy, and friendly animals that are euthanized simply because there are not enough good homes for them; and

               Whereas, An additional unknown number of Michigan animals die each year due to abandonment, neglect, abuse, starvation, or cruelty; and

               Whereas, The tragic overpopulation of pets cost citizens and taxpayers of this country millions of dollars annually through animal service programs aimed at coping with the millions of homeless animals. The average cost to care for an animal in a shelter is $176.00 or more; and

               Whereas, The spaying or neutering of dogs and cats helps solve this tragic and costly problem by reducing the number of dogs and cats that end up in shelters; and

               Whereas, It is the policy of the state of Michigan that animal shelters should aggressively promote spay and neuter programs to reduce pet overpopulation; and

               Whereas, Residents of the state of Michigan can contribute to this effort by spaying or neutering their own companion animals and by supporting programs in their communities that offer accessible spay and neuter services; and

               Whereas, Veterinarians, humane societies, animal control agencies, and national and local animal welfare organizations will join together to advocate the spaying or neutering of dogs and cats on Spay Day 2010, an annual campaign of The Humane Society of the United States; now, therefore, be it

               Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body recognize February 23, 2010, as Spay Day in Michigan.  We encourage all residents to observe the day by having their dogs or cats spayed or neutered and by contributing to charitable organizations that provide spay and neuter services.