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By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Spay/Neuter Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Spay/Neuter Awareness Month is an important observance dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership by raising awareness on the importance of spaying and neutering companion and stray animals to reduce the number of homeless animals in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, animal shelters and releasing agencies in the Commonwealth of Virginia take in approximately 220,000 homeless and unwanted cats and dogs every year, while more are uncared for and unreported as they struggle to survive on the streets; and

WHEREAS, cats and dogs are domesticated animals who rely on humans to care for them, and the most effective way to address the companion animal homelessness crisis is to spay and neuter pets; and

WHEREAS, spaying and neutering are routine, safe, and beneficial surgeries; and

WHEREAS, spayed and neutered animals live longer, healthier lives with reduced risk for certain cancers and other life-threatening diseases; and

WHEREAS, spaying and neutering reduces the burden placed on public and private animal shelters and other animal protection and welfare services; and

WHEREAS, Virginians are encouraged to work together to reduce the number of homeless and unwanted companion animals in the Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize February 2025, as SPAY/NEUTER AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.