Rescues named top dog in Delaware
Humane Animal Partners hosted Gov. John Carney May 30 as he applied his signature to Senate Bill 37, which makes the rescue dog the official state dog of Delaware.
State government officials gathered alongside animal welfare professionals and animal lovers from across the state at Humane Animal Partners’ Wilmington campus for the historic moment. Formerly Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA, HAP is a statewide animal welfare organization with adoption centers in Rehoboth Beach, Wilmington and Stanton/Christiana.
Sen. Jack Walsh, D-Stanton/Newark, a Humane Animal Partners board member and well-known dog lover, introduced SB 37 earlier this year. The bill was passed with broad support from both bodies of the General Assembly, including unanimously in the Senate. The legislation amends Title 29 of the Delaware Code, which previously recognized the golden retriever as the Delaware state dog.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 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,” said Patrick Carroll, Humane Animal Partners CEO. “It feels so fitting to recognize this milestone bill at Humane Animal Partners, formerly Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA, where we have been serving the community and animals for 150 years.”
"Delaware animal shelters take in thousands of pets each year, all of whom are waiting to find their forever home,” said Walsh. “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."
Joining Carney at the signing were leadership and staff representatives from Humane Animal Partners, Faithful Friends Animal Society, Brandywine Valley SPCA and First State Animal Center & SPCA, as well as state government officials, including Walsh and bill co-sponsor Rep. Bryan Shupe, R-Milford.
Humane Animal Partners served 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 Delaware Humane Association officially merged last year to create Humane Animal Partners after years of partnering on animal transports, pet food pantry events and resource-sharing efforts. A 150th Anniversary Gala celebration is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science.
