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Senate adopts SR 44 to declare June 7 ‘Adopt a Pet Day’ and highlight shelter overcrowding
Summary
The Senate unanimously adopted SR 44 to declare June 7 California Adopt a Pet Day. Sponsors and colleagues used floor time to describe shelter overcrowding, adoption programs and veterinary or shelter funding needs.
The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 44, designating June 7 as California Adopt a Pet Day. The resolution, introduced by Senate President pro Tempore McGuire, drew multiple floor speakers who described overcrowding in shelters and urged public participation in adoption and support for shelter operations.
McGuire said shelters remain overcrowded and cited progress since the late 1990s but noted an estimated 100,000 dogs and cats are euthanized annually in California, a figure he said underscores continued need. He described a statewide program that in 2024 exceeded its adoption goal and said the 2025 goal is to adopt 5,000 pets through coordinated adoption events across more than 50 shelters.
Senators from both parties recounted personal adoption stories and urged support for shelters and veterinarian care. Senator Cortez said adoption improves human well-being and helps shelters reduce overcrowding. Several speakers noted seasonal increases in cat intakes tied to breeding cycles and asked colleagues to promote spay/neuter programs and a stronger budget focus on shelter funding.
The resolution was adopted by unanimous roll call (38 ayes, 0 noes on the recorded tally presented on the floor). McGuire closed by encouraging attendance at adoption events and noting calls for additional shelter funding in budget discussions.
SR 44 is a ceremonial resolution; it does not appropriate funds or change shelter operations but the sponsors and other senators called for follow-up in state budget conversations about resource needs for shelters and spay/neuter programs.
