HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 115

(By Delegates Lawrence, Fragale, Cooper, Cowles, Espinosa, Ferns, Fleischauer, Gearheart, Hamilton, Hamrick, Hartman, Jones, Marcum, McCuskey, Morgan, Moye, Pasdon, Perry, Sponaugle, Sumner, and Williams)

[Originating in the Committee on Political Subdivisions]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study

county permits for adopting ordinances relating to spaying and neutering dogs and cats.

    WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the public to protect the health and safety of animals owned by residents of a county by reducing the number of dogs and cats that are stray or abandoned; and

    WHEREAS, there are a large number of dogs and cats that are euthanized or have been abandoned because they are not wanted or are not owned or under control of individuals; and

    WHEREAS, studies suggest there are an estimated 6-8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year; and

    WHEREAS, a county commission may adopt an ordinance to require certain restraints and control of dogs owned or in the custody and control of persons in the county; andbe it 

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to conduct a study on county permits for adopting ordinances relating to spaying and neutering dogs and cats; and    be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2015, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.