[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 135 (Thursday, September 26, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1722-E1723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF OUR NATION'S ANIMAL SHELTERS

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                           HON. DOUG BEREUTER

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 1996

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's animal shelters and the tens 
of thousands of dedicated individuals who are employed by or volunteer 
in these facilities certainly deserve recognition for the work they 
have done in assisting animals. This Member is pleased that the Humane 
Society of the United States (HSUS), which has provided training and 
support to local animal shelters and humane organizations for over 40 
years, has declared November 3-9, 1996, as National Animal Shelter 
Appreciation Week.
  The idea for a national day of recognition and appreciation for 
animal shelters actually started with a humane society in this Member's 
district, the Capital Humane Society in Lincoln, NE. Bob Downey, the 
executive director of the Capital Humane Society, contacted the HSUS 
and suggested that they work together to establish a week intended to 
recognize the positive roles that animal shelters play in their 
communities; to recognize the staff and volunteers of shelters; and to 
educate the general public about animal shelters and the work they do.
  The services offered by animal shelters are as varied as the 
communities they serve. Some handle animal control issues, such as 
controlling dogs running at large or sheltering unwanted or abandoned 
animals. Some conduct rescue operations by responding to calls 
regarding injured animals or animals that have fallen through the ice 
of a frozen lake or pond. Still others assist families who are 
considering adding a new four-legged member to the family by providing 
adoption services.

[[Page E1723]]

  There are many ways that individuals can help our local animal 
shelters and humane societies. Many shelters, just like the Capital 
Humane Society, both need and welcome volunteers who perform a variety 
of tasks such as walking dogs, grooming animals, cleaning cages or 
assisting with adoptions. Shelters can also use donations of supplies 
such as blankets and towels to provide bedding, food or cages, or just 
cash donations to help pay for the costs of daily operations. National 
Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is an appropriate time for people to 
visit shelters, thank the people who work there, and volunteer their 
time.

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