WHEREAS, Pets provide companionship to more than 71 million households in the United States; and
     WHEREAS, In the United States of America approximately five million cats and dogs are euthanized each year, although many of them are healthy and adoptable; and
     WHEREAS, Washington state animal shelters and humane societies euthanize approximately sixty thousand cats and dogs each year, many of whom are healthy and adoptable, due to a lack of critical resources, public awareness, and availability of good homes; and
     WHEREAS, Over 56 percent of dogs and puppies entering shelters are euthanized, based on reports from over 1,055 facilities across America; and
     WHEREAS, Over 70 percent of cats and kittens entering shelters are euthanized, based on reports from over 1,055 facilities across America; and
     WHEREAS, This tragic overpopulation of pets costs citizens and taxpayers of this country tens of millions of dollars annually through animal service and control programs aimed at coping with the millions of homeless animals; and
     WHEREAS, There are an estimated 1.5 million unaltered cats and dogs currently in Washington state; and
     WHEREAS, Spaying and neutering has been shown to dramatically reduce the overpopulation of pets and feral cats, proving to be a wise investment in saving animal lives and taxpayer dollars; and
     WHEREAS, There are several organizations in Washington currently providing to the public low cost spay and neuter programs; and
     WHEREAS, Veterinarians, national and local animal protection organizations, and private citizens have joined together again to advocate the spaying and neutering of pets and feral cats on "Spay Day 2010";
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor those persons and organizations participating in "Spay Day 2010" to assist in reducing overpopulation of pets and feral cats.