The Defenders of Animals held its 28th annual Homeless Animals Day/Candlelight Vigil/Award Ceremony and Raffle at the Governor Sprague Mansion in Cranston on Aug. 20.

This event was 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. 

At the event, the Defenders of Animals presented Representative David A. Bennett (District 20, Warwick) with a Humane Hero award in recognition of his successful legislative efforts, dedication, and steadfast commitment to the concerns of the plight of animals throughout Rhode Island.

Bennett introduced a new bill allowing emergency medical treatment to police dogs injured in the line of duty, which would include transporting by ambulance them when it does not inhibit the ability to provide emergency medical attention or transportation to a person requiring such services. Governor Dan McKee signed House Bill 7021 Sub A into law this year on June 29.

Bennett is Chairperson of the House Environmental and Natural Resources Committee, a member of the House Health and Human Services Committee and a member of the House Judiciary Committee. In addition to this bill, Bennett co-sponsored over a dozen animal protection bills.

The organization also recognized RI State Police K-9 Ruby, a search-and-rescue dog for Rhode Island State Police that recently was the topic of a Netflix movie. Unfortunately, Ruby passed away in May due to cancer – she was 11 and a half years old. K-9 Ruby and her handler, Rhode Island State Police Cpl. Daniel O’Neil, were side by side helping to save lives for 11 years.

Lastly, Defenders of Animals recognized the hard work and dedication of the K-9s and handlers at the RI State Police Canine Unit. Trooper Joseph Pronk and K-9 Jax accepted the award.

The plaque reads: In Recognition of Your Brave and Unyielding Vigilance, Selfless Dedication, Loyal Service, and Steadfast Commitment to Protecting the Citizens of Rhode Island.

Representative Charlene Lima was in attendance and presented the Defenders of Animals, Inc., with a $4,000 legislative grant to be used for low-cost spaying/neutering of cats and dogs and to assist  with medical expenses with medical treatment of dogs and cats.

Christine Dorchak, president and general counsel of Greyhound Protection Group (GREY2K USA Worldwide), was the event’s guest speaker. She works to pass laws that prohibit dog racing and promote the adoption of greyhounds across the globe. Her small group has been working for over 20 years, closing down dozens of dog tracks in the U.S. and in foreign countries. She led the 2018 campaign to ban dog racing in Florida and to close China’s only legal dog track, the Canidrome in Macau.

Defenders of Animals also distributed free milkweed seeds from the Save the Monarchs Foundation. Experts consider monarch butterflies to be endangered and on the brink of extinction. Milkweed plants are the only source of food for the monarch caterpillar – they need milkweed on which to lay their eggs.