Each year more than 50 countries, all 50 states, and the United States Virgin Islands observe International Homeless Animals’ Day to raise awareness about the plight of pet overpopulation and to promote spaying and neutering of companion animals.
A single non-spayed female dog can produce 16 puppies in one year, and if none of these puppies are spayed or neutered, can result in 128 puppies in two years, 512 puppies in three years, and 67,000 animals in six years. In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce an incredible 370,000 kittens. Therefore, it is crystal clear why this is such an important issue in the Virgin Islands.
By proclaiming International Homeless Animals Day, we shed light on a serious problem in our territory and help prevent the starvation, pain, or the euthanasia of unwanted or abandoned pets. This past year was particular hard on our pet population as hundreds of animals were airlifted in a private chartered jet from their homes on the US Virgin Islands which were left devastated by a pair of catastrophic hurricanes.
One of the greatest things Virgin Islanders can do this August 19 is to take home a pet from one of our animal control shelters and allow your family to experience the joy of caring for a rescue dog or cat. Another way to recognize this day is to volunteer at one our Animal Control Shelters and learn to help save animals in times of natural disasters and assist animals which are the victims of illegal animal cruelty.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kenneth E. Mapp, Governor of the Virgin Islands of the United States, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Revised Organic Act of 1954, as amended, do hereby proclaim Saturday, August 18, 2018, as International Homeless Animals’ Day. I call upon all residents to become responsible pet owners, include your pets when planning for an emergency or disaster, and keep only the type and number of pets for which you will provide appropriate food, water, shelter, health care, and companionship.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Government of the Virgin Islands of the United States to be affixed at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, this day of August, 2018.
Kenneth E. Mapp Governor
Osbert E. Potter Lieutenant Governor