CHAPTER 365
FORMERLY
HOUSE BILL NO. 296
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF A STATE DOG.
WHEREAS, Retrievers came into prominence because of the desire for a medium-sized dog that would do well in wild-fowling, both upland game and waterfowl; and
WHEREAS, Golden Retrievers are popular as disability assistance dogs such as being guide dogs for the blind and hearing dogs for the deaf; and
WHEREAS, they are also trained to be hunting dogs and detection dogs; and
WHEREAS, Golden Retrievers are often used on search and rescue teams because of their keen sense of smell and tracking abilities; and
WHEREAS, Goldens make great therapy dogs; and
WHEREAS, Presidents Ford and Reagan both had Golden Retrievers as pets while in office; and
WHEREAS, Goldens have an instinctive love of water and are easy to train to basic or advanced obedience standards; and
WHEREAS, the breed's friendly, gentle temperament means it is unsuited to being a professional guard dog, but its temperament has also made it the third-most popular family dog breed (by registration) in the United States, the fifth-most popular in Australia, and the eighth-most popular in the United Kingdom; and
WHEREAS, Golden Retrievers also are very smart dogs that are loyal and friendly to their caregivers; and
WHEREAS, the temperament of the Golden Retriever is a hallmark of the breed, and is described in the standard as kind, friendly, and confident; and
WHEREAS, Golden Retrievers make good family pets, particularly as they are patient with children; and
WHEREAS, the typical Golden Retriever is calm, naturally intelligent and biddable, with an exceptional eagerness to please; and
WHEREAS, they are known to take care of other animals, even cats;
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:
Section 1. Amend Title 29, Chapter 3 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:
§ 326. State dog.
The Golden Retriever is the official dog of the State.
Section 2. This Act shall take effect upon its enactment into law.
Section 3. This Act shall expire 1 year after its enactment into law.
Approved August 03, 2016