SENATE RESOLUTION 62

(By Senators Chapman and Karnes)

[Introduced March 1, 2024]

Memorializing the life of Betty Burkett, guardian through nursing and lifelong dedication to animal welfare throughout the State of West Virginia.

Whereas, Betty Burkett’s work in animal rescue and protection is lengthy, and included founding the March for Mutts to support the Rescue League, and active leadership in the Marshall County Animal Rescue League; and

Whereas, Betty Burkett was chair of the Moundsville Animal Task Force and a board member of the Olive Branch Animal Rescue and Refuge in Sistersville; and

Whereas Betty Burkett was a coordinator with Moundsville SNAP and Marshall County CAT-SNIP; and

Whereas, Betty Burkett was a lay member of the West Virginia Veterinary Licensing Board; and

Whereas, Betty Burkett was helpful with transporting animals for rescue and spay neuter; and

Whereas, Betty Burkett’s contributions to the betterment of the welfare of animals in our state continue her legacy through these many organizations, but maybe none more so than her co-founding of the Federation of Humane Organizations (FOHO) of West Virginia, together with Sylvia Shafer, in 1994; and

Whereas, Betty Burkett felt that education of the public about the law surrounding animals was important, she coordinated a book compendium of all the state animal laws, which is still in production today through FOHO WV; and

Whereas, Betty Burkett left this world on January 24, 2024, still a champion of her cause, and is deeply missed; and

Whereas, It is fitting that the Senate honor the life and legacy of Betty Burkett for her many years of dedicated public service; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby memorializes the life of Betty Burkett, guardian through nursing and lifelong dedication to animal welfare throughout the State of West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the family of Betty Burkett.