ASPCA Gets Ready to 'Go Orange for Animals'

NEW YORK, March 2, 2009 — This April, the ASPCA(R) (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R)) will once again commemorate Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month - an extremely important month for animals. 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 time to volunteer at your local animal shelter, your contribution will make a difference."

The ASPCA will officially kick off the month on April 7 when iconic buildings and landmarks across the country such as the Empire State Building, Sears Tower 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 on the heels — or shall we say paws — of the April 7 lightings, the ASPCA will continue its month-long 'Going Orange for Animals' celebration with three rain-or-shine events:

* Tuesday, April 7 in New York City — there will be an all-out celebration in the Big Apple from 4-8 p.m. (Eastern) in New York City's Union Square Park. The 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 18 in Austin, Texas — Austin pet-lovers and their four-legged friends are invited to join the ASPCA and its Austin ASPCA(R) Mission: Orange(TM) partners at the Rock Garden area of Zilker Park. The festivities will begin with the ASPCA's first annual 'Wag-n-Walk' 1 mile Dog Walk at 11 a.m. (Central). After the walk has concluded at 12 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 (including a doggy obstacle course!).
* Saturday, April 25 in Venice Beach, Calif. - West Coast pet-lovers and their four-legged 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 12 noon featuring adoptable animals from 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.