This month, our nation’s oldest animal welfare organization, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is once again commemorating ‘Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month’ - an extremely important month for our furry friends.
From its beginnings three years ago as a small grassroots adoption event in New York City, the ASPCA's April celebrations have mushroomed into a nationwide celebration of the human-animal bond, and the organization's victories on behalf of animals.
"We are encouraging everyone, young and old, to 'Go Orange for Animals' and support the ASPCA during the month of April," said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. "Whether you hold a bake sale, a benefit concert, or take some time to volunteer at your local animal shelter, your contribution will make a difference."
The ASPCA will officially kick off the month on April 7th when buildings and landmarks across the country such as the Empire State Building, Sears Tower in Chicago, and Niagara Falls will support the ASPCA's life-saving work as they light up in its signature color and ‘Go Orange for Animals.’
And after the April 7th lightings, the ASPCA will continue its month-long 'Going Orange for Animals' celebration with three rain-or-shine events:
Tuesday, April 7th in New York City - an all-out celebration in the Big Apple from 4-8 p.m. (Eastern) in New York's Union Square Park. This event will feature adoptable animals, live music, and refreshments. Humane Law Enforcement Officers from Animal Planet's Animal Precinct will be on-hand, as well as ASPCA Behaviorists, Animal Poison Control Experts, and a variety of pet-friendly festivities that will appeal to pet-lovers of all ages.
Saturday, April 18th in Austin, Texas - Pet-lovers and their four-legged friends are invited to join the ASPCA on its first annual 'Wag-n-Walk' 1 mile Dog Walk at 11 a.m. (Central). After the walk has concluded at Noon, a festival will feature adoptable animals from Town Lake Animal Center and the Austin Humane Society, discounted services and information from local spay/neuter groups like Animal Trustees of Austin and Emancipet, music, refreshments for both humans and canines, ASPCA experts, and a variety of pet-friendly festivities that will appeal to pet-lovers of all ages.
Saturday, April 25th in Venice Beach, Calif. - Pet-lovers and their pet counterparts are invited to the Windward Plaza area of Venice Beach to participate in the ASPCA's first annual 'Wag-n-Walk' 1.5 mile Dog Walk at 11 a.m. (Pacific). Immediately following the walk, walk participants and the general public will be invited to enjoy a celebration at Noon featuring adoptable animals from the Los Angeles rescue group, Bark Avenue Foundation, a remote broadcast and giveaways from L.A. radio stations KOST-FM and KTLK-AM, ASPCA experts, refreshments, and a variety of pet-friendly festivities that will appeal to pet-lovers of all ages.
Also new to this year's celebration of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month is the ASPCA Ambassadors Program. ASPCAAmbassadors.org is a new online network which will give ASPCA supporters across the country the chance to become an ‘ASPCA Ambassador’ by either registering to participate in an ASPCA Event - such as the upcoming April 'Wag-n-Walk' events in Austin, Tex., or Venice Beach, Calif., or by holding a personal event this April in their community - be it a bake sale, car wash, or bike-a-thon for animals.
The ASPCA also suggests stringing orange lights around your house, putting an orange bulb in your porch light, handing out orange glow sticks, tying orange ribbons across your town and more, to show your support of the awareness building effort.
A goal of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month is to make people aware of signs that an animal may be the victim of abuse. If you suspect animal cruelty, you should report the crime to your local animal control, local police force, or the state police. On its Web site, the ASPCA also provides a list of agencies to which you can report animal cruelty in your own community.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month is held appropriately each year in April to honor the April anniversary of the ASPCA's founding back in 1866.
For more information about Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and how you can be a voice for animals, please visit the website linked below:
Georg