Dog Rescued from Abuse to Lead SPCA's Annual Walk, Pet Fair May 6

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY — The SPCA of Westchester invites you to join the thousands of animal lovers and their furry friends who will come out May 6 for the 12th Annual Dog Walk and Pet Fair. This year’s SPCA Walkathon Chairdog, Peanut, is known to thousands of animal lovers who supported his recovery after he was rescued by the SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Unit from horrific conditions.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at FDR State Park in Yorktown Heights. This is the SPCA’s largest event every year, attended by thousands of families along with their 4-legged friends. Funds raised help the SPCA to rescue and rehabilitate many orphaned animals every year.

Peanut's former owner, Vincent Marable, 57, of Mount Vernon, was charged with animal cruelty in 2016.
Marable had confined Peanut in the basement of his building at 273 West Lincoln Ave. without adequate food or water. The young pit bull mix was covered in filth, emaciated, dehydrated and suffered from sores all over his body as a result of flea infestation. He was so weak he could barely stand on his feet.

Although Peanut is still looking for a permanent home he is the perfect example of how resilient rescue animals can be.

For this reason, he was chosen as the 2017 Dog Walk Chairdog, SPCA official Lisa Bonanno said.

State Senator Terrence Murphy (R-40) will be cutting the official ribbon to start the walk. Murphy recently authored and help pass a bill in the Senate which increases the penalty for multiple convictions of animal cruelty to a felony when convicted within five years from the date of a prior conviction.

At the SPCA Dog Walk and Fair, supporters will enjoy a scenic walk around the park plus live music, food, refreshments and dog and kid friendly activities. Pre-registration is not required. To attend, the SPCA asks for a $20 donation from individuals to join or $35 for a family.

Images/ SPCA of Westchester