By Stacy N. Hackett
Posted: August 15, 2008 2 a.m. EDT
Tomorrow, Aug. 16, 2008, hundreds of animal shelters, humane societies and rescue groups across the country will commemorate National Homeless Animals’ Day. Started in 1992 by the International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR), the annual event aims to call attention to the plight of homeless cats and dogs and encourage pet owners to have their animals spayed and neutered.
Events taking place tomorrow include low-cost spay and neuter clinics, community awareness events, adoption fairs, pet-related seminars, pet parades and animal blessings. In some communities, local politicians will read proclamations encouraging town residents to have their pets spayed and neutered.
Many shelters also will hold candlelight vigils to draw attention to the numbers of cats and dogs euthanized each year in animal shelters and humane societies. In some areas, music, prayers, readings and speeches are featured at the vigils.
To find a National Homeless Animals’ Day event in your area, visit the ISAR website.