SENATE RESOLUTION

                                                    1994-8674

By Senator Skratek

         WHEREAS,  The population of cats and dogs in Washington state exceeds the number of available opportunities for placement or adoption; and

         WHEREAS, More than three hundred thirty-five thousand animals were placed in animal shelters and put to death from 1990 through 1992; and

         WHEREAS, The statistical trends of animal overpopulation indicate that more than seven hundred seventy thousand additional animals will be killed in animal shelters by the year 2008; and

         WHEREAS, The expense and administration of animal control is a significant burden to local governments; and

         WHEREAS, It is unrealistic to expect a sufficient number of homes to be found for the cat and dog population despite the commendable efforts made by public and private agencies; and

         WHEREAS, The expense of spaying and neutering can be a deterrent to the financial capacity of persons to assist in control of the animal population; and

         WHEREAS, The difficulties and distress associated with animal control can be significantly reduced by a reduction in the breeding of cats and dogs;

         NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the senate of the state of Washington That the citizens of the state of Washington are encouraged to adopt a one-year moratorium on the casual, indiscriminate, or unplanned breeding of cats and dogs; and

         BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the governor of the state is encouraged to call for a voluntary moratorium on such casual, indiscriminate, or unplanned breeding of cats and dogs; and

         BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That local governments and the veterinary profession are encouraged to expand cooperative efforts to reduce the population of cats and dogs by making available more reduced-cost spaying and neutering programs; and

         BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted by the secretary of the senate to the governor, animal control agencies, and the state veterinary association.

I, Marty Brown, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1994-8674,

adopted by the Senate February 11, 1994.

MARTY BROWN

Secretary of the Senate