Did you know that of all 50 United States, only 12 have named official state dogs? Most have chosen breeds that have roots based within their state lines. But Ohio recently joined the party, bringing the number of states with official dogs to 13, and they really made their choice count!
In a bill sponsored by State Senator Bob Hackett, the Shelter Dog was named the official state dog of Ohio! The bill was backed by nearly 100 co-sponsors and went into effect March 20!
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Last year, a bill seeking to name the Labrador Retriever the official state dog of Ohio introduced in the state’s House of Representatives and caught some flak from PETA. They claimed that naming a state dog would encourage puppy breeders to ramp up their efforts to fill the demand that would follow the bill’s passage. PETA suggested naming the “all-American mutt” as the official dog if the state insisted on having one. The issue is moot now, since humans can’t breed shelter dogs!
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Ohio hopes that by naming the shelter dog their official state dog, they’ll raise the public’s awareness of shelter animals. Several million pets enter shelters each year, and some never leave. Others may spend valuable years of their lives waiting for someone to find them. Ohio is doing what it can to help. The state has a relatively low euthanasia rate, according to data from ShelterAnimalsCount.com. 94% of their pets left shelters alive and found homes!
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The state of Georgia also recognizes the adoptable dog as their official state dog. Lawmakers had tried twice to designate an official state dog before – the Golden Retriever and then later, the Bulldog. Only a week after the shelter dog was named, another attempt was made by an opposing senator to give the distinction to the Bulldog – but the bill was quickly dismissed.
Do you think Ohio made the right choice? What dog would you choose? Let us know on Facebook!
H/T: goodnewsnetwork.org
Toledo, United States.
