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Adoptapalooza Returns April 10 With Pooch Parade And No Fee Adoptions

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York City's premiere mega pet adoption event returns to the Big Apple on Sunday, April 10, 2016, with a special celebration to mark the 150th anniversary of the ASPCA, including a parade of rescue dogs and no-fee adoptions courtesy of Animal Planet.

Hosted by the Alliance for NYC's Animals, Adoptapalooza is presented in partnership with Petco Foundation and will feature more than 300 adoptable puppies, dogs, kittens, cats, and rabbits at two locations: Union Square, Manhattan and at the House of Vans, at 25 Franklin Street in Brooklyn from noon to 5 p.m.

adoptapalooza 2015 montage
(Photo Credits: Chiu Ng, Carol Zytnik, Dana Edelson, Mark McQueen)

All the animals will have been spayed or neutered and vaccinated. Alliance President Jane Hoffman told 1010 WINS, while potential adopters will still need to go through the regular application process, adoption fees are being waived thanks to the generosity of Animal Planet, which is footing the bill.

Listen to 1010 WINS' Anchor Susan Richard's full interview with Jane Hoffman here:

The Manhattan event kicks off at 11 a.m. with the "NYC Paws Parade" lead by members of the NYPD Mounted Unit and featuring a parade of rescue dogs and their handlers.  It will march from Madison Square Park to Union Square. New Yorker and Broadway legend Bernadette Peters will serve as grand marshal.

Adoptapalooza will also mark the 150th Anniversary of the ASPCA, which was the first humane society to be established in North America. It was founded in 1866 by Henry Bergh.

CREDIT: ASPCA Photo© 1947
Photo Credit: ASPCA Photo © 1947

Originally focusing on the treatment of horses, the ASPCA has gone on to become one of the largest and most influential animal welfare organizations in the country.  In addition to direct animal rescue, spay-neuter programs, providing grants to other animal welfare organizations and supporting legislative action to protect animals, the ASPCA partners with law enforcement around the country, including the NYPD, to investigate incidents of animal cruelty.

Dogs in ASPCA Ambulance
Photo Credit: Paul Schumach © Tuesday, June 21, 1955 ASPCA stray dogs arriving at Leone's Restaurant for "luncheon" to launch Disney picture "LADY AND THE TRAMP".

ASPCA President & CEO Matt Bershadker spoke to 1010 WINS Anchor Susan Richard about the evolution of the ASPCA over these many years and its current efforts to help reduce euthanasia at the New York City Shelters.  Listen to that interview here:

Adoptapalooza runs rain or shine, Sunday, April 10, 2016 from noon to 5:00 p.m. at 17th St/Union Square in Manhattan and the House of Vans, at 25 Franklin Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Click HERE for more information.

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