WHEREAS, the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) advances the highest standards of professionalism in animal welfare and public safety through education, training, and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, NACA has designated the second full week of April as Animal Care and Control Officer Appreciation Week; and

WHEREAS, animal care and control professionals work tirelessly—often under challenging and hazardous conditions—to safeguard public safety while providing humane care and compassionate service to animals and citizens in need; and

WHEREAS, these officers play a critical role in protecting both animals and communities by responding to emergencies, enforcing animal‑related laws, promoting responsible pet ownership, and rescuing animals from injury, disease, abuse, neglect, and starvation; and

WHEREAS, federal, state, and local officials across the nation take this opportunity to commend animal care and control professionals for their dedicated service;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, do hereby recognize April 6-11, 2026, as ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL OFFICER APPRECIATION WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and encourage all citizens to honor these professionals for their vital contributions.