SOS Pen Pals, produced by smellycatproductions.com

SOS is a registered 501C(3) nonprofit rescue organization with a mission to ensure the humane conditions and treatment of shelter animals and lower the rate of euthanasia in Virginias public shelters.

SOS formed in September 1996 in response to reports of inhumane treatment and negligence at the Richmond Animal Shelter, the city shelter financed by tax dollars. Since that time, SOS has rescued thousands of unwanted animals and established SOS Pen Pals, a nationally recognized training and rehabilitation program with the Virginia Department of Corrections. Inmates are taught professional dog-training techniques to become dog-trainers, as well as socialize cats to make the animals more adoptable.

SOS believes that population control is a more humane alternative than euthanasia to the tragedy of unwanted animals. SOS supports the work of the PetFix Coalition and Prevent A Litter, both of which have reduced the euthanasia rate in Central Virginia through their low-cost spay/neuter programs. SOS spearheads legislation to strengthen Virginia's animal welfare laws to ensure that all impounded animals are treated humanely - especially when their lives must be ended.

In 2001, SOS was instrumental in the passing of a state bill to reduce the number of homeless and stray animals, track individuals breeding dogs for illegal purposes and to regulate those who breed cats and dogs for resale, including backyard breeders. This groundbreaking legislation is the first of its kind in Virginia and in February of 2003, Petersburg, Virginia adopted the same breeders' ordinance.

For more information, visit our website @ http://sos-penpals.com.

Video by Smellycat Productions, http://smellycatproductions.com

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• dog rescue
• pet rescue
• shelters
• dog adoption
• pet adoption
• not-for-profit
• animal rights
• animal advocacy

[hushandhush]

they are all so cute. wish i could adopt them all.