Defenders of Animals hosts 20th Homeless Animals Day/Candlelight Vigil

By Meri R. Kennedy
Posted 8/24/16

A beautiful evening and musical entertainment set the scene for those attending the 20th annual Homeless Animals Day/Candlelight Vigil sponsored by Defenders of Animals on Aug. 20. The Rhode Island-based non-profit has endorsed

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Defenders of Animals hosts 20th Homeless Animals Day/Candlelight Vigil

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A beautiful evening and musical entertainment set the scene for those attending the 20th annual Homeless Animals Day/Candlelight Vigil sponsored by Defenders of Animals on Aug. 20.

The Rhode Island-based non-profit has endorsed pro-animal legislation on the national, state, and local levels since 1978, and many of its accomplishments were highlighted during the vigil held on the back lawn of Sprague Mansion in Cranston.

“We have always believed in this credo: ‘The smaller the victim, the bigger the crime,’” said Dennis Tabella, director of Defenders of Animals. “I have always taken the side of the underdog, and there is no greater underdog than the dogs and cats that are waiting for homes at our shelters or those poor souls that walk the streets and throughout our neighborhoods without the love and security from a human being.”

Approximately 50 guests were in attendance to celebrate a host of award winners presented by Defenders of Animals. One of the recipients of the Human Heroes Award was Cranston’s Mario Hilario of NBC 10.

Tabella said Hilario was being honored “in recognition of our deep appreciation for your weekly pet segment and continuous role in the placement of countless dogs and cats, and in appreciation for your commitment to providing important public service announcements regarding pro animal events.”

“Your compassion for dogs and cats comes through on that Saturday morning pet segment … of course when you pet a dog or cat on your show it’s not only lowering your blood pressure and the pet’s blood pressure, but it makes a connection with future pet owners that end up adopting one of the cats or dogs after viewing your show,” Tabella continued.

Other recipients of Humane Heroes Awards were RI Canine Search & Rescue, Liz Smith and Audrey Agli of Smith & Agli’s Pot Belly Manor, Matt Zarrella, Greg and Mary Mierka from the Sprague Mansion/Cranston Historical Society, Warwick Animal Hospital, Jackie Distefano, and Brian Nelson.

Musical entertainment was provided by Bill Reidy, and Rhode Island Canine Search and Rescue conducted a demonstration with its highly trained dogs.

The evening was emceed by former state Sen. John J. Tassoni.

During the vigil, everyone in attendance held a lit candle as Reidy performed “You’ve Got a Friend.”

“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 jumpstart new spay/neuter/adoption campaigns while rekindling existing programs in their communities that raise awareness about pet overpopulation,” Tabella said.

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