Resolution Adopted by the CCAR
Overpopulation of Cats and Dogs
Adopted by the CCAR at the 90th Annual Convention of
the Central Conference of American Rabbis
Phoenix, Arizona, March 26-29, 1979
The overpopulation of dogs and cats has become a tragic problem, due to uncontrolled
breeding. The discarding of these animals results in the annual killing of more than
three and one half million.
This unnecessary suffering, endured by countless animals in our cities, is unneeded,
tragic and preventable.
The Jewish concept of tsa-ar ba-a-lei chay-yim,
of mercy toward animals, has always been a principle of our faith. The Central Conference
of American Rabbis advocates the strengthening of humane legislation to eradicate
the problem of stray dogs and cats and their subsequent destruction in our country.