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During her visit to the City of El Paso Animal Services main shelter, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) introduced the Supporting Our Shelters Act, legislation to amend the Animal Welfare Act and provide critical grant funding to local animal shelters across the country. The bill will ensure that shelters have the resources they need to care for animals, support adoption services, and improve conditions for pets awaiting their forever homes.

“Local animal shelters are lifelines for communities, providing safety and care for vulnerable animals while helping families find beloved companions,” said Congresswoman Escobar.“But too often, these shelters are stretched thin, underfunded, and overwhelmed. The Supporting Our Shelters Act invests directly in them so they can continue their vital work with the resources they deserve.”

“We appreciate any federal effort that seeks to support the operations of our local animal shelters and ensure the well-being of community’s pets,” said City Manager Dionne Mack.

“As a national organization, the ASPCA collaborates with hundreds of local shelters and rescues across the country to give as many vulnerable animals as possible the second chance they deserve. Right now, shelters and rescues from coast to coast are under intense strain, often at capacity and stretching every dollar to provide quality care and services to the communities and animals they support,” said Maggie Garrett, vice president of federal affairs for the ASPCA. “The Supporting Our Shelters Act would establish a grant program to provide federal resources to shelters across the country. We are grateful to Congresswoman Escobar for introducing this bill to support shelters so they may continue their lifesaving work to serve their communities, provide safety net services and reduce animal homelessness.”

Congresswoman Escobar has a long record of fighting for animals’ wellbeing. In December of 2022, she secured $1.3 million for the El Paso County Animal Welfare Pet Wellness Clinic which disbursed funds to renovate existing property into an animal wellness clinic that would be able to offer high-volume spay and neuter programs, as well as vaccinations and microchips to track responsible ownership.

The Supporting Our Shelters Act is cosponsored by Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and endorsed by the El Paso Animal Services Department.

Full text can be found here,