“Rescue dog” to become official Delaware state dog to delight of local animal lovers
WILMINGTON, DE, May 25, 2023 – On Tuesday, May 30, Humane Animal Partners (formerly Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA), a statewide animal welfare organization with adoption centers in Wilmington, Stanton/Christiana, and Rehoboth Beach, will host Governor John Carney to sign Senate Bill 37, which will make the “rescue dog” the official state dog of Delaware. State government officials will gather alongside animal welfare professionals and animal lovers from across the state at Humane Animal Partners’ Wilmington campus on Tuesday, May 30 at 3 PM for this historic moment.
Senator Jack Walsh, a Humane Animal Partners board member and well-known dog lover, introduced Bill 37 in the Senate earlier this year. The Bill was passed with broad support by each body of the state’s Legislative Assembly, including unanimously in the Senate. Title 29 of the Delaware Code currently recognizes the Golden Retriever as the Delaware state dog.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), millions of dogs currently reside in shelters across the United States. By officially making rescue dogs the state dog, Delaware sends a strong message of support to rescue animals and animal welfare organizations.
“We are thrilled to see SB 37 become law and make Delaware history,” states HAP’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Carroll. Carroll continues, “We know this recognition will help save rescue animals.”
Joining Governor Carney and Lt. Governor Bethany Hall Long at the signing will be leadership and staff from Humane Animal Partners (HAP), Faithful Friends Animal Society, and Brandywine Valley SPCA, as well as state government representatives, including Senator Jack Walsh, co-sponsor Representative Bryan Shupe, Representative Kim Williams, and more. These animal lovers will gather to help celebrate the official next chapter of “rescue dogs” in Delaware. Media and press are invited to join the occasion as well.
“Delaware animal shelters take in hundreds of pets each year — all of whom are waiting to find their forever home,” says Senator Jack Walsh. Walsh continues, “Senate Bill 37 reaffirms the General Assembly’s support for animal welfare and our commitment to ensuring that every rescued pet will be cared for, loved, and protected against abuse.”
Humane Animal Partners serves as the perfect backdrop to sign Senate Bill 37 into effect, as 2023 marks the 150th anniversary of the organization’s history of animal lifesaving work. Delaware SPCA and DHA officially merged last year to create Humane Animal Partners, after years of partnering on animal transports, pet food pantry events, and sharing resources. A 150th Anniversary Gala celebration is scheduled for Thursday, November 16, 2023 at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science.
