Legislation makes adoptable dog state dog of Georgia

ATLANTA — “The adoptable dog” would be the official state dog of Georgia under legislation introduced in the Georgia General Assembly.

State Rep. Joe Wilkinson, R-Atlanta, introduced House Bill 561 last week. Wilkinson announced the proposal during a press conference alongside the Atlanta Humane Society, FixGeorgiaPets.org, GaPundit.com and Georgia English Bulldog Rescue.

“Georgia was founded by James Oglethorpe and became a place where people could go for a second chance at life,” Wilkinson said in a news release. “So, it is fitting that we recognize the importance of giving homeless dogs a second chance at life in this state.”

Approximately 3.9 million dogs enter shelters nationwide each year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Of those, roughly 35 percent are adopted and 26 percent are returned to their owner.

“Having something like this come before the state of Georgia will heighten awareness for shelters and for adoption being an option,” Tara High, vice president of operations for the Atlanta Humane Society, said in a news release.

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Todd DeFeo loves to travel anywhere, anytime, taking pictures and notes. An award-winning reporter, Todd revels in the experience and the fact that every place has a story to tell. He is the owner of The DeFeo Groupe and also edits Express Telegraph and Railfanning.org.