SR1592 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1592 LRB100 21505 ALS 38313 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The manner in which our nation treats our animals is a direct reflection on society; and

WHEREAS, Animal cruelty can be either deliberate abuse or simply the failure to take care of an animal; and

WHEREAS, Recent statistics show that an animal is abused every ten seconds, and many cases are never reported; the common victims are dogs and cats; and

WHEREAS, Most reported animal cruelty comes in the form of neglect, including a failure to provide for the basic needs of an animal, hoarding, lack of shelter or veterinary care, tethering and abandonment, and other forms of abuse; and

WHEREAS, It is important to raise awareness and use available information to try to understand and prevent causes of abuse and neglect; it is also important to condemn organized animal cruelty, such as dog fighting and cockfighting, which often results in death and perpetual suffering; since there is a well-documented link between animal cruelty and violence against people, including links between animal abusers and violence against their own family members, direct abuse should be promptly reported to law enforcement; and

WHEREAS, It is also important that consumers strive to be conscientious purchasers of products that are cruelty free; and

WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pet ownership has been shown to help lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and feelings of loneliness; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 3.4 million cats and kittens and 3.9 million dogs enter U.S. shelters annually, with millions losing their lives; potential pet owners should consider the option of adopting shelter cats and dogs; additionally, animal shelters are in constant need of volunteers to help complete every day tasks, such as walking and socializing with furry friends; reaching out to a local animal shelter helps remedy animal abuse in our State; and

WHEREAS, Illinois has done tremendous work to put policies in place to protect animals across our communities to ensure they are well taken care of; and

WHEREAS, Animal Cruelty Prevention Month signifies the importance of raising awareness and advocating for our voiceless friends; and

WHEREAS, Animal cruelty prevention is a major concern for our society at large, and it is important to spread the word to neighbors, friends, and family members to put a stop to this silent epidemic in communities across our State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate April 2018 as Animal Cruelty Prevention Month in Illinois in order to raise awareness about this silent crisis and give a voice to our furry friends.