CNKP: Making Philadelphia No-Kill, one animal at a time

Citizens for a No-Kill Philadelphia (CNKP) announced some exciting changes bound to reinvigorate the mission of saving the thousands of companion animals in Philadelphia shelters. Founded in 2009, CNKP is comprised of the City's animal advocates and taxpayers, joined by a common goal of making Philadelphia a no-kill city, one animal at a time. Working with elected officials, dedicated volunteers and local rescues and shelters, CNKP combines humane education, grassroots efforts and political advocacy to change policy and raise awareness of the plight of the thousands of adoptable shelter animals that die each year due to lack of space and money.

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Developments this week will help CNKP to keep moving forward. Leadership was officially handed off to new President Samantha Jones, Esq., a dedicated local volunteer, foster parent and vehement advocate for Philadelphia's homeless animals, both in the shelters and the community at large. Rounding off the leadership in the revamped board are Maria Garcia Bulkley, Erin Doody, Emily McNicholas, Krista Milito and Christina Voigt. All are active in the City's rescues, shelters and streets, and have years of experience in the local trenches where the fight to save the lives of our animals is being fought on a daily basis.

CNKP's goal of making Philadelphia a no-kill city depends on a concerted effort to raise awareness, educate pet owners and the public at large about what goes on in the shelters and how every person can help. It's not just a campaign for a group of experienced animal advocates. CNKP stresses that making Philadelphia no-kill and helping our homeless animals requires community-wide participation. Everyone is needed to spread the word about the importance of adoption, fostering, spaying and neutering, humane education and the value of each and every life for it to be pervasive. To inquire about how to help in your every day life and in your community, email info@phillynokill.org. 'Like' the CNKP Facebook page to stay up to date on campaigns, events and opportunities to volunteer. And follow them on Twitter at @PhillyNoKill.

Right now, CNKP is getting ready for their groundbreaking yearly event: With Love - Super Adoption Day. The 4th annual Super Adoption Day will be held Saturday, May 18, 2013 at the Walnut Street Plaza at Penn's Landing. The theme this year is "Be a Hero, Adopt!" in honor of Armed Forces Day and all U.S. troops serving here and abroad. It is the largest local adoption event and features representatives and adoptable animals from rescues and shelters from all over the region. There will be all kinds of pet products and services in a veritable festival of animal lovers and activities. There are contests, demonstrations, animal entertainers and refreshments for people and pets. Keep up with developments on the With Love: Super Adoption Day 2013 Facebook event page.

For anyone interested in helping out, there is a volunteer planning meeting this weekend, Sunday, March 10, 2013 from 4-5:00 p.m. at the Whole Animal Gym (WAG) at 611 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, 19147. There will be more information about the event and opportunities to sign up for planning help, promotion, event day volunteering and more. All are welcome and all help is greatly appreciated. Please RSVP to info@phillynokill.org. If you can't be there to volunteer, you can still help by assisting CNKP in raising funds to get the ball rolling. Tax deductible donations can be made via check, sent to 2107 Fitzwater Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146 or online via credit or debit card.

Whether you volunteer for Super Adoption Day, donate or just support the cause with your daily actions and spreading the word, your help is needed to make Philadelphia a no-kill city, one animal at a time. And CNKP is here to support, promote and organize this concerted effort.

For more information, see these links: