By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would designate the month of October as Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

“Massachusetts shelters take in more than 20,000 animals each year, and despite our high save rate, they continue to struggle with staffing shortages, rising intakes and limited community resources,” said sponsor Rep. Bruce Ayers (D-Quincy). “Establishing October as ‘Adopt a Shelter Dog Month’ will give us a statewide platform to promote adoption, support our shelters and ensure more dogs have a real chance at finding a permanent home.”