HR644 Summary

• Recognizes May 2-8, 2010 as National Pet Week in Alabama.
• National Pet Week was jointly founded in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and AVMA Auxiliary to foster responsible pet ownership and increase public awareness of veterinary medicine.
• The 2010 National Pet Week theme is "Pets and People - Healthy Together," emphasizing exercise importance given that 65% of adult Americans and 44% of dogs and 57% of cats in the United States are overweight or obese.
• Obesity in companion animals can lead to osteoarthritis, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and various cancers.
• Calls upon the community and partner organizations to celebrate National Pet Week with appropriate ceremonies.