ABC and CBS Television Networks to Air ASPCA Public Service Announcement

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Wednesday, 31 October 2001

"Adoption. One Beautiful Option" aims to educate Americans about the millions of companion animals available at shelters

Beginning the first week of November, a thirty-second public service announcement produced by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) will air nationwide on both the ABC and CBS television networks. "Adoption. One Beautiful Option" was created with the hopes of educating the public about the benefits of adopting a shelter animal.

The beauty of adoption is captured within this PSA through a simple exchange shared between a five year-old girl named Maya and her parents, and the visibly evident adoration that she has towards her cat Millie. "It is a tragic but true fact that over half of all animals that enter our nation's shelters are euthanized," states ASPCA President and CEO, Dr. Larry Hawk. "It is our hope that this PSA, with its compelling message will persuade Americans to consider adopting a pet at their local animal shelter."

The ASPCA continues to work to eliminate the misconceptions that shelter animals are medically or behaviorally unfit to be adopted. The opposite is true. Most of the animals that enter shelters find themselves there through no fault of their own. Pets are relinquished for many reasons: owner allergies, lifestyle changes, moving or simply because the novelty has worn off and they are no longer wanted. Animal shelters always have a wide variety of cats and dogs ranging in age, personality and breed, waiting for a second chance.

For more information, or to contact American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, see their website at: www.aspca.org