International Homeless Animal Day

Saturday, August 16 is International Homeless Animal Day. The International Society for Animal Rights began National Homeless Animal Day to draw attention to dog and cat overpopulation, increase awareness of the millions of unwanted animals killed every year in shelters, and stress the importance of spaying and neutering. From it's modest beginnings in 1992, the occasion has grown to include foreign animal protection groups, thus the need for the new name. ISAR feels candlelight vigils are the most poignant way to dramatize the importance of the overpopulation problem. Dedicated shelter personnel have held moving rituals, where they read euthanized animals' names and dates that each one died. Some offer prayers or play music.To order free vigil packets and learn more, see ISAR

Locally, International Homeless Animals Day is being recognized by Hillsborough County Animal Services and CHAART (Community of Hillsborough Animal & Agricultural Response Team) who will conduct sign-in and pet-sheltering procedures such as those performed during actual disasters. New recruits are welcome to attend, but pets should not be brought to the practice drill. Volunteers will be trained by experienced animal professionals. Information about pet-preparedness will be available, and a pet-evacuation kit complete with micro-chip ID will be on display for interested pet owners. Pet-Shelter Disaster Drill and Volunteer Sign-up is Saturday, August 16th, 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon at Burnett Middle School (1010 N. Kingsway Road, Seffner) . Having a disaster or hurricane plan is vital. For more information , please call 813-744-5660 or log onto http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/

I only had time to do a fast internet search, but I was surprised to not find any of the local shelters and rescues recognizing International Animal Homeless Day. But that doesn't mean people can't create their own celebrations or just acknowledge the day by adopting a stray, volunteering at a shelter, or having a pet spayed or neutered.