Stolen Dogs and Broken Hearts: Learn How to Protect Your Pet This Valentine's Day

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - February 7, 2008) - February 14th of every year, Last Chance for Animals (LCA), a national, non-profit animal rights organization, raises public awareness of a threatening epidemic -- pet theft.

Approximately 2 million animals are stolen every year. Many are taken under false pretenses through "free to good home" ads or are abducted from their yards. These animals are then sold to research laboratories, dog fighting rings or puppy mills, where they are abused and often killed.

HBO documented LCA's latest harrowing investigation into pet theft in the documentary "Dealing Dogs." Following an LCA investigator as he goes undercover to document the conditions at an Arkansas kennel, the film raised important questions about where animals used in medical research come from and proved that many of these animals are stolen pets.

LCA has seen first hand where stolen pets end up and aims to raise awareness about proper pet identification and theft prevention. This year marks the 20th annual National Pet Theft Awareness Day and LCA will be at local Los Angeles dog parks handing out life saving pet theft information, free treats, toys and microchipping coupons.

What:  Pet Theft Awareness Day 2008

When:  Saturday, February 9, 2008

Where: Two Local L.A. Dog Parks;

10:00am - Noon                        1:00pm-3:00pm
Runyon Canyon Dog Park                Sepulveda Basin Dog Park
2000 North Fuller                     17550 Victory Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA  90046                Encino, CA  91406

Come out and change the way you celebrate Valentine's Day. Visit www.stolenpets.com.

Thank you to Three Dog Bakery (Sherman Oaks), Centinela Feed (Beverly Hills) & Favorite Pet Products for their generous donations!

Last Chance for Animals (LCA), a national animal rights organization based in Los Angeles, has been active for more than two decades. Founded and led by animal expert, author, and actor, Chris DeRose, LCA fights for the rights of animals by conducting investigations that expose animal cruelty. For more information, visit www.LCAnimal.org.

To reach LCA directly, please contact Lisa Beal, Campaigns Director, LCA (818) 681-3672, lisa@lcanimal.org

Media: For information or to interview LCA/Chris DeRose, please call Eileen Koch @ Eileen Koch & Company, 310.441.1000 or email @ Eileen@eileenkoch.com, Please visit http://www.eileenkoch.com

Contact Information: Media contact: Eileen Koch Eileen Koch & Company 310.441.1000 Eileen@eileenkoch.com http://www.eileenkoch.com