Inspired by his rescue dog, Cali, Representative Mark McBride’s bill to name rescue animals at Oklahoma’s official state pet was passed by the House this week. House Bill 3971 is known as Cali’s Law.
“I filed this bill to help bring attention to all the animals that are in shelters that are in danger of being euthanized,” said McBride. “Eight years ago, when I first took office, this would not have been a big deal to me, but after adopting Cali and seeing how many other animals are in shelters, and how our cities have to keep building bigger shelters and finding ways to try to keep these animals alive, I wanted to do something to help. I want people to be aware there are good pets out there just waiting for the right person to adopt them.”
McBride rescued Cali, an 80-pound Catahoula, from the Moore Animal Shelter six years ago. Cali is the first dog McBride has allowed into his house.
“That dog brings me a lot of joy,” McBride said. “I might be having the worst day, and she’s happy to see me.”
HB 3971 now heads to the Senate.
