BLACKWOOD, NJ – At the Camden County Animal Shelter, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today announced a new action in Congress to designate National Animal Rescue Day on the first Saturday of October every year.

More than a million stray cats and dogs are euthanized annually by overburdened shelters across the United States, and Animal Rescue Day will spur a mass campaign about shelters and why families should consider adopting these animals in need of permanent, stable homes.

“My family has included many loving animals over the years, and pets have enriched our lives in countless ways. But many animals never get to be with a family that loves them – and many overwhelmed shelters don’t have the resources to care for them. We can help these shelters and connect loving families to abandoned and stray animals by raising awareness on a new National Animal Rescue Day,” said Congressman Norcross. “Over six million cats and dogs are placed in shelters every year; let’s look into our hearts and encourage successful rescues.”

Specifically, Norcross’ National Animal Rescue Day resolution will encourage the support of animal shelters with donations of funding 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.

Click here to view or download photos from the event at the Camden County Animal Shelter, which is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year.

“We are not only honored to host Congressman Norcross, we also know that this is the most appropriate location for this announcement due to the fact that the Camden County Animal Shelter is the only open admission animal shelter in the region to achieve a 91 percent animal save rate in in 2017,” said Freeholder Jonathan Young, liaison to the Camden County Animal Shelter. “National Animal Rescue Day will help us bring more attention to the animals in shelters waiting for their forever homes.”

“All of us in the animal welfare community thank Congressman Norcross for his continued support, and for helping to raise awareness of saving animals through adoption,” said Vicki Rowland, Executive Director of the Camden County Animal Shelter. “Our vision at the Camden County Animal Shelter is to save even more lives in the coming years, and a dedicated National Animal Rescue Day will help us in our goal.”

"I appreciate that the Congressman is introducing this Resolution after I brought it to his office's attention," said Gail Kasper. "While it's up to each person to make a choice to go to a shelter or a rescue first, I firmly believe that every animal deserves a home.”

###

Contact: Ally Kehoe, Communications Director
ally.kehoe@mail.house.gov