ASPCA Day: ASPCA Celebrates 142nd Anniversary
ASPCA MARKS 142ND ANNIVERSARY WITH THIRD ANNUAL
ASPCA DAY CELEBRATIONS
Country’s First Humane Organization Kicks off “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” Month”
NEW YORK— This April, appropriately deemed “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” Month, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) will mark 142 years since its founding as the first animal welfare organization in the Americas. To commemorate this landmark moment in American history, as well as the human-animal bond, the ASPCA will celebrate the third annual “ASPCA Day” on April 10 with a combination of civic and community events, both in its headquarters of New York City, as well as throughout the country. To find out more about ASPCA Day 2008, please visit www.aspca.org/aspcaday.
One hundred and forty-two years ago, ASPCA founder Henry Bergh was compelled to respond to the animal cruelty he saw by establishing what was the first humane organization in the Americas. Today, the ASPCA continues to keep Henry Bergh’s dream alive; as a national organization headquartered in New York City, it works with shelters and humane societies across the country to further its mission of prevention of cruelty to animals through education and outreach.
“While we fight animal cruelty day in and day out, April, and specifically ‘ASPCA Day’ on April 10, is a great time for us to take stock of our progress, and celebrate our bond with animals as a nation,” said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres.
In celebration of ASPCA day the Humane Society of South Mississippi will be providing a $50 pet package. For $50 on April 10, 2008, your pet will receive a nail trim, rabies vaccination, spay or neuter surgery and an ASPCA bandana to wear. There are a limited number of packages available. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 228-863-4394 ext. 2.
For the past three years, both people and icons around the country have shown their support for the ASPCA’s mission by taking “Go Orange for Animals” to heart—and doing just that, displaying the color orange (the ASPCA’s signature color) in their clothing, décor, and countless other ways.
Several national icons have already confirmed their participation in ASPCA Day 2008, including the Empire State Building, Niagara Falls, the Los Angeles Coliseum and the Sears Tower in Chicago. April 10 will also see the third annual “ASPCA Day Festival” take place in New York City’s Union Square that evening, featuring live music by the X Brothers featuring Joe Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult, refreshments, and a host of pet-related activities.
Additionally, animal lovers across the country will again be able to vie for the grand prize in the second annual “Community Leader of 2008”—a contest that celebrates community involvement in the ASPCA’s 142-year old mission—by showing us how they “Go Orange for Animals.” The most creative of the competition entries will receive a trip to New York City for a two nights/three days, a guided tour of the newly-renovated ASPCA shelter, an opportunity to meet ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres as well as its Humane Law Enforcement Officers, who are featured on the award-winning “Animal Precinct,” and their photograph and contest results published in ASPCA Action, the ASPCA’s quarterly member newsletter, as well as featured on its Web site and electronic communications.
For more information on how to enter the “ASPCA Community Leader of 2008” Contest, please visit www.aspca.org/aspcaday. For more information on how to stay alert towards, and prevent, cruelty to animals, please visit www.aspca.org.
About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first humane organization established in the Americas, and today has more than one million supporters throughout North America. A 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides local and national leadership in animal-assisted therapy, animal behavior, animal poison control, anti-cruelty, humane education, legislative services, and shelter outreach. The New York City headquarters houses a full-service, accredited, animal hospital, adoption center, and mobile clinic outreach program. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York’s animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series “Animal Precinct” on Animal Planet. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org.
