Today at the Animal Welfare Association in Voorhees, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced a resolution he introduced in Congress to make the first Saturday of October each year National Animal Rescue Day.  

Around 6 million animals enter shelters each year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Around half of these strays are adopted each year. The other half, tragically, are euthanized, including most healthy cats. Congressman Norcross’s resolution aims to bring attention to the unmet need of connecting strays with loving homes.  

“My family has grown up with loving animals throughout our lives, and the joy they bring is something families cherish,” said Congressman Norcross. “That’s why it is so tragic that millions of animals are orphaned each year and left in shelters, many of which are overwhelmed and lack the resources to adequately care for them. By establishing National Animal Rescue Day, I hope we can reduce the number of unnecessary animal deaths and increase the number of loving homes for our nation’s strays and rescues.” 

Specifically, Norcross’ National Animal Rescue Day resolution will encourage the support of animal shelters through increased resources and essential supplies; promote animal adoption by telling the stories about mistreated animals and successful rescues; reduce the need and use of euthanasia; and help reduce the number of abandoned and stray animals.