Shelter animals could become Colorado state pet

Shelter dogs and cats could be designated Colorado’s state pet with a bill under consideration by lawmakers.

The bill passed the House committee on Wednesday. It was being proposed by Colorado school children.

“It raises awareness and it’s also really great that school children brought this on to the legislature,” said Julie Justman with the Humane Society in Pueblo.

Colorado already has an official state animal, the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, and a state bird, the lark bunting. Opponents of the bill say it creates a designation for a business transaction and that some of the shelter dogs and cats are possibly not even from Colorado.

Supporters say the bill helps school children learn about the legislative process and sends a positive message about caring for animals.