Expressing support for the designation of October 1, 2025, as "National Animal Rescue Day" to create awareness of the importance of animal adoption, to educate on the importance of spaying and neutering animals, and to encourage animal adoptions throughout the United States.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 781
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Animals
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-30: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-08T20:05:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H. Res. 781
Purpose of the Legislation
This resolution expresses support for designating October 1, 2025, as "National Animal Rescue Day." The goal is to raise awareness about animal adoption from shelters, promote education on spaying and neutering pets to reduce overpopulation, and encourage more adoptions across the United States.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Recognizes that millions of cats and dogs enter shelters annually, with hundreds of thousands of healthy animals euthanized.
- Notes the existence of 3,000 to 4,000 animal shelters needing supplies like food, medical items, and educational materials.
- Highlights how better awareness of rescue programs can lower euthanasia rates and reduce returns of adopted animals to shelters.
- Emphasizes the benefits of spaying and neutering to ease shelter overcrowding.
- Stresses the role of family support for housing and veterinary care in preventing pet surrenders.
- Mentions examples like the rescue of beagles from breeding facilities to illustrate positive outcomes.
- Proposes the first Saturday in October as the date for events such as adoption drives, festivals, and donations to boost shelter funding and adoptions.
- Resolves that the House supports the designation to promote ongoing awareness and address pet overpopulation through spaying and neutering.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
This resolution introduces no changes to existing law, as it is a non-binding expression of congressional support rather than a mandate or alteration to statutes.
Potential Impacts on Government Agencies, Citizens, or International Relations
- On government agencies: It may encourage federal or local agencies involved in animal welfare to promote related awareness activities, though no new requirements or funding are specified.
- On citizens: It could increase public participation in adoption events, donations, and pet sterilization efforts, potentially leading to more pets finding homes and reduced shelter burdens.
- On international relations: No impacts are addressed or implied in the resolution.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Animal shelters and rescue organizations, which stand to benefit from increased donations and adoptions.
- Pet owners and families considering adoption.
- Veterinarians and related service providers involved in spaying, neutering, and care.
- Animals in shelters or at risk of abandonment.
- Communities and organizations hosting awareness events.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The resolution carries no legal force and raises no constitutional issues, as it serves only as a symbolic statement of support without creating enforceable obligations or altering rights. Politically, it reflects a bipartisan effort to address animal welfare concerns through public education.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1]
Cosponsors (23)
Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-30: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-09-30: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-30: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of October 1, 2025, as "National Animal Rescue Day" to create awareness of the importance of animal adoption, to educate on the importance of spaying and neutering animals, and to encourage animal adoptions throughout the United States. — issued 2025-09-30 — PDF (3 pages)