ASPCA goes orange for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) has officially kicked off 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 organization’s victories on behalf of animals.

“We are thrilled to kick off Prevention of Cruelty Month today,” said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. “Dedicated supporters across the country are embracing the ‘Go Orange for Animals’ message by holding bakes sales, benefit concerts, and taking the time to volunteer at their local animal shelter throughout the month, and the outpouring of support for animals everywhere is truly inspiring to us.”

Iconic buildings and landmarks across the country such as the Empire State Building, the Wrigley Building, Graceland Mansion, and even Niagara Falls will support the ASPCA’s life-saving work as they light up in its signature color tonight and literally ‘go orange.’ And this afternoon’s ‘Go Orange for Animals’ Festival in New York City’s Union Square Park is the first of three to take place across the country this month.

The ASPCA will then hold festivals at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, and in Venice Beach, Calif. on April 18 and 25, respectively. The festivals will feature adoptable animals, live music, refreshments, ASPCA experts, and a variety of pet-friendly festivities that will appeal to pet-lovers of all ages. And in the cities of Austin and Venice Beach – the first ever ‘Wag-n-Walk’ Dog Walks will take place to benefit the ASPCA.

Also new to this year’s celebration of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month is the ASPCA Ambassadors Program. ASPCAAmbassadors.org is a new online network which will give ASPCA supporters across the country the chance to become an “ASPCA Ambassador” by either registering to participate in an ASPCA Event – such as our upcoming April ‘Wag-n-Walk’ events in Austin, Tex., or Venice Beach, Calif., or by holding a personal event this April in their community – be it a bake sale, car wash, or bike-athon on our behalf.

If you are planning an event, please visit www.ASPCAAmbassadors.org between now and May 4 to enter the ASPCA’s Community Leader Contest – which will award the winner with the most extraordinary ‘Go Orange’ efforts a $500 American Express Gift Card and a $1,000 grant to the animal shelter or rescue group of their choice.

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month is held appropriately each year in April to honor the anniversary of the ASPCA’s founding in 1866. For more information about the ASPCA’s rich history and how you can be a voice for animals, please visit www.ASPCAApril.org.