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BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA 
 
A PROCLAMATION 
SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS MONTH 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
Domestic animals have provided companionship to people for centuries . Offering love and loyalty, they share the homes of millions of Americans and Georgians, providing many benefits to their owners such as affection and an improved sense of well being ; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
The citizens of Georgia have a responsibility to spay and neuter their pets, as this is a healthy choice for companion animals. More than one billion dollars is spent annually to help control dog and cat overpopulation, and spaying and neutering has been shown to drastically reduce overpopulation . Each year, shelters must euthanize millions of animals , many that are healthy and adoptable, because there are not enough homes; and 
 
WHEREAS : 
 
Spaying and neutering helps our pets live longer, healthier lives and may eliminate or reduce the number of health problems that can be difficult or expensive to treat; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
All of Georgia's pets should be assured loving homes and a lifetime of care; now 
 
THEREFORE: 
 
I, NATHAN DEAL, Governor of th e State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim February 201 2 as SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS MONTH in Georgia. 
 
In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and cau sed th e Seal of the Executive Departm ent to be affixed thi s 24th day of january in th e year of our Lord two thousand twelve. 
 
ATTEST 
 
GOVERNOR 
 
ClTI EF OF STAFF