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H8493
2026 -- H 8493
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LC004542
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
COMMEMORATING APRIL 30, 2026, AS "NATIONAL THERAPY ANIMAL DAY" IN THE
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By:
Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Handy, Chippendale, Fogarty,
Kennedy, Ajello, Phillips, Santucci, and Boylan
Date Introduced:
April 30, 2026
Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, National Therapy Animal Day was created to recognize the exceptional
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dogs, cats, and other animals that bring comfort, joy, and healing to those in need; and
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WHEREAS, Animal-assisted therapy is based on the unique bond that exists between
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human beings and animals. Dogs and cats are most commonly used in pet therapy, however, fish,
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guinea pigs, horses, and other animals are also used depending on the therapeutic goals of a
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person's treatment plan; and
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WHEREAS, There are numerous therapeutic benefits that animals can provide, including
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improvement in self-image and sense of competence, nurturing a sense of responsibility,
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expressing feelings and distress through the animal, and developing curiosity and motivation to
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learn, not to mention the endless hours of fun, warmth, and love; and
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WHEREAS, Many animals main goal is to love and please the humans in their lives,
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often including total strangers. Animals frequently have the innate ability to detect emotions in
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people from cues invisible to humans and many will instinctively comfort a person whom they
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sense is in distress and in need of some extra attention; and
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WHEREAS, Whether professionally supervised or the casual and spontaneous interaction
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between loving animals and folks in need, animal therapy is a powerful tool for improving
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treatment outcomes and enhancing quality of life for many individuals; and
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WHEREAS, Promoting public awareness for animal therapy is an effective pathway
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toward a friendlier, healthier and more peaceful world; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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commemorates "National Therapy Animal Day” and urges the Director of the Department of
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Health and Human Services and all the citizens of Rhode Island to continue to appreciate,
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promote, and advocate for the incomparably life-changing and life-sustaining benefits of the
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human-animal bond; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Director of the Rhode Island Department of
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Health and Human Services, Paws from the Heart Pet Therapy, and the Windwalker Humane
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Coalition for Professional Pet Assisted Therapy.
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LC004542
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