ATLANTA – State Representative Joe Wilkinson (R-Atlanta), along with officials from the Atlanta Humane Society, FixGeorgiaPets.org, GaPundit.com, and Georgia English Bulldog Rescue, held a press conference on Wednesday, March 4, to discuss legislation that would designate the official state dog of Georgia. Rep. Wilkinson’s legislation, House Bill 561, was officially in the House on Thursday and names “the adoptable dog” as the official state dog of Georgia.
“Georgia was founded by James Oglethorpe and became a place where people could go for a second chance at life,” said Rep. Wilkinson. “So, it is fitting that we recognize the importance of giving homeless dogs a second chance at life in this state.”
“Having something like this come before the state of Georgia will heighten awareness for shelters and for adoption being an option, “said Tara High, Vice President of Operations for the Atlanta Humane Society.
Rubye Reid with FixGeorgiaPets.org highlighted the importance of spaying and neutering pets to prevent pet overpopulation in Georgia shelters.
“Dogs live longer happier lives when they’re spayed, and ensuring that adopted dogs are spayed or neutered helps reduce the number of pets in shelters,” said Reid.
Ruthann Phillips, Director of Georgia English Bulldog Rescue, noted that the organization currently has nearly 40 foster bulldogs in private homes in Atlanta.
“Every dog and cat deserves a home, and every home needs a dog or cat,” said Phillips.
For more information on HB 561, please click here.
For more information, please visit one of the following participating organizations’ websites: http://www.fixgeorgiapets.org/, http://georgiaenglishbulldogrescue.org/, http://atlantahumane.org/, http://www.GaPundit.com.
Representative Joe Wilkinson represents the citizens of District 52, which includes portion of Fulton County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2000, and is the Chairman of the Ethics Committee, and the Ex-Officio on the Judiciary Non-civil Committee. He also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Health & Human Services, and Insurance committees.
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