Defenders of Animals Inc., which began a 45-year journey of caring for and defending the rights of animals in April of 1978, will hold its Homeless Animals Day/Candlelight Vigil and Humane Heroes Award Ceremony at the Governor Sprague Mansion, located at 1351 Cranston St. in Cranston. event on Saturday, August 19, 2023.

The ceremony will be held outdoors from 7 to 9 p.m. and will be free and open to the public.

“The Homeless Animals Day/Candlelight Vigil is held in conjunction with the International Society for Animal Rights campaign and serves as an opportunity for animal advocates from around Rhode Island to band together on a special day and jump-start new spay/neuter/adoption campaigns while rekindling existing programs in their communities that raise awareness about pet overpopulation,” said Dennis Tabella, director of Defenders of Animals.

The group lobbies on legislative issues, coordinates a pet placement service, offers a low-cost spay and neuter program for cats and dogs and does legal work through the organization’s attorney, Mark B. Morse.

A total of two awards will be given out at the event to honor individuals for going above and beyond for the sake of all animals:

Our mission is to defend the inalienable rights of both companion animals and wildlife through education, legal and legislative activism, and it is, indeed, a functional mission statement, Tabella said.

There will also be raffles, including Gift Card for a round trip for two on the Block Island Ferry, $35 Gift card to Chelo’s Restaurant, certicate$15 Gift card to Dunkin Donuts, gift certificate to have a cat neutered, $100 Gift Certificate to Warwick Animal Hospital, a $100 gift certificate to the Apponaug Animal Hospital, a certificate to have a dog or cat for rabies and distemper inoculations and microchipping via the Providence Animal Rescue League, and gift baskets.

Luminaries may be purchased for the event that will have flameless LED Tea Lights with the name of your pet on the luminary. The luminaries may be purchased for a $5 donation made at defendersofanimals.org.

Contact: Dennis Tabella, Director 401-461-1922 or defendersofanimals@msn.com