Item Description:
title
Declaring September as National Service Dog Month in Hennepin County - offered by Commissioner Anderson
end
WHEREAS, National Service Dog Month, is a time devoted to raising awareness and showing appreciation for the extraordinary work service dogs do every day for the people in their care; and
WHEREAS, service dogs are specially trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as veterans suffering from conditions including Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury; and
WHEREAS, there can be many obstacles preventing people with disabilities, and veterans from getting the service dogs they need, including long waiting lists, and expensive training costs; and
WHEREAS, in the United States, 64 million adults and children have a disability and only 16,000 service dogs from accredited training programs exist nationwide and the need is growing; and
WHEREAS, national nonprofits such as Canine Companions is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly-trained service dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships
WHEREAS, National Service Dog Month aims to educate our community about the benefits of service dogs and the laws protecting them; therefore
Resolution:
body
BE IT RESOLVED, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims September as National Service Dog Month and recognizes the importance and necessity of service dogs in our communities.
end
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval