HERMITAGE – Tails of Hope, which runs a low-cost the spay and neuter clinic in Hermitage, will observe International Homeless Animals Day Aug. 19 with an event that includes a candlelight vigil to pay homage to the dogs and cats that have been killed in shelters.
The event will run from 4 to 8 p.m. at the clinic, 2450 Hoezle Road. Veterinarian offices, stores that sell pet products, animal rescue groups that do not euthanize animals, and dog trainers and groomers are among the organizations that have been invited to set up booths, distribute information and sell items.
“What we want to do is end this senseless killing,” said Tails of Hope board member Maleia James, who also is president of Cat Landers.
With Tails of Hope operating, “There’s no excuse now” not to spay and neuter animals, she said.
Tails of Hope was created to address the local overpopulation of dogs and cats.
The International Society for Animal Rights established Homeless Animals Day in 1992 to bring attention to the 1.5 million animals – an estimate from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – that are put to death each year in shelters. Candles will be lighted at 7:30 p.m. to remember these victims of overpopulation.