With two high profile dog fighting cases pending in our local area, the time could never be better for an event which educates the public and honors these unjustly maligned animals.

National Pit Bull Awareness Day is a concept created by a Tennessee pit bull rescue in 2007 with the intent of creating a national day on which pit bulls are celebrated versus demonized. In stark contrast to the daily abuse and victimization of these dogs, this day is intended to be a day to cherish these animals. The event has grown in support since it’s inception with 2008 being marked by 150 celebrations across the United States and even events as far away as Canada and Russia.

In celebration of National Pit Bull Awareness Day on October 24, 2009, Ring Dog Rescue is hosting a series of activities surrounding that date to celebrate these dogs. The centerpiece event of the celebration is a public event intended to provide insight, education and a place to network for animal welfare advocates:

NAME: “In Defense of Dogs – An Evening on Animal Welfare”

WHEN: Friday, October 23, 2009 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm (doors open at 5:30pm)

WHERE: Plant Zero, 0 East 4^th Street, Richmond, VA 23224

WHO: Any member of the public with a valid admission ticket (Tickets are $20 and can be purchased via the Ring Dog Rescue website or at a number of locations listed on the website. TICKETS MUST BE ORDERED IN ADVANCE AND WILL NOT BE SOLD AT THE DOOR AND ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT RING DOG RESCUE)

DETAILS:

“In Defense of Dogs – An Evening on Animal Welfare” is a public event, featuring a night of notable speakers in animal advocacy, along with more than a dozen animal friendly vendors selling their products, along with food and a beer and wine bar to facilitate networking and mingling between local animal lovers. There will also be a special appearance by Gracie, one of the former Michael Vick dogs.

Speakers for this event include

1. Michelle Welch – Assistant Attorney General tasked with prosecuting animal issues for the Commonwealth of Virginia and adjunct faculty for Animal Law at the University of Richmond.
2. Ethan Eddy – Trial attorney for the Natural Resources Division of the United States Department of Justice and former Humane Society of the United States attorney focusing on animal fighting and cruelty
3. Jody Jones – Virginia Federation of Humane Societies, former Director of the Center for Animal Care and Control in New York City and Humanitarian of the Year for 2007, as named by the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies and current Manager of Richmond Animal Care and Control
4. Kathy Strouse – Animal Control Superintendent for the City of Chesapeake and author of “The Untold Story of the Michael Vick Dog Fighting Case”
5. Richard Samuels – President of the Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force, Vice President of the Virginia Animal Control Association and certified Animal Cruelty Investigator.

Sponsors for this event include, Elwood Thompson’s, Farmer’s Insurance, Prevent-A-Litter, Pure Dog Treats, Irizarry Plumbing, K. Morgan Photography, Martin and Wood Construction, Pets at Play, the Law Firm of Sands, Anderson, Marks and Miller, Paws for Style, Whole Foods Market, Canine Adventure Walks, Legends Brewery and the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies.

In addition to the public forum, Ring Dog Rescue is additionally hosting a Continuing Education class for law enforcement personnel, attorneys and animal welfare workers on October 23, 2009 as well as providing free spay and neuter and transport to pit bulls in the Woodland Heights community of Richmond on October 25, 2009.

Ring Dog Rescue is glad to support any media inquiries or requests for additional information.

Don’t Hate, EDUCATE!