As a means of raising awareness for animal adoption, the state of Ohio has just made shelter pets their state animal.

The designation was officially instated last week after the Ohio Senate approved Senate Bill 86.

Ohio is not the first to pass such legislation advocating for animal adoption; Colorado, California, Georgia, Illinois, and Tennessee have all made shelter pets their official state animal, and Texas and Oregon are currently considering similar measures, according to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

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Regardless of the timeliness, HSUS lauded Ohio’s decision in a statement to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

“This designation will help raise public awareness for shelter animals and the many shelters throughout Ohio which are full of wonderful, family-ready pets,” the organization said in a statement. “Animal shelters and rescues always have a great selection of pets looking for new homes.”

GOOD NEWS! ?



Shelter pets officially become Ohio's state pet today! This will help raise public awareness for shelter animals & shelters throughout Ohio which are full of wonderful, family-ready pets. Visit your local shelter or @shelterpets today! https://t.co/OVnHCfLB1F pic.twitter.com/CPdxJwWf4W — The Humane Society of the United States (@HumaneSociety) March 20, 2019

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