New Colorado Pet? It Could Be Shelter Dogs And Cats

DENVER (AP) - Shelter dogs and cats could be designated Colorado's state pet with a bill under consideration by lawmakers.

The bill cleared a House committee on a 6-5 vote Wednesday. The proposal was brought forward by Colorado schoolchildren.

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 schoolchildren learn about the legislative process and sends a positive message about caring for animals.

The Senate has already approved the bill.

LINK: Senate Bill

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)