Animal rescue supporters came out Saturday to the downtown Lehighton Park to champion their cause of stopping abuse and abandonment of animals.

Donna Crum, organizer, said that the event was held to give the public the information they need to when it comes to animals."We offer education and resources," she said. "Our resources include information on low cost spay and neuter programs, feral cats, adoptions and shelters and rescues.She strolled the park as she noted the various groups that came together to share their information with the public. She noted there is a $5,000 reward that is issued to people who report dog fights. The number 1-877-tip-HSUS or the website at humanesociety.org/rewards.She said there is a low cost spay and neutering mobile van that has agreed to come into Carbon County and provide the services. Eastern Pa. Animal Alliance, plus for the first time since 1988 that Carbon County Animal Shelter was part on an event. For the mobile van, call 570-994-5846 for information or to make an appointment.There was also a Carbon Animal Rescue Team representative offering information on their services. They offer their services to animals during emergency situations.People also had the opportunity to win a trip to Cancun that benefited the Carbon County Friends of Animals.All 4 Paws was offering nail clippings and Pet Store Universe was celebrating its second anniversary.There was also a representative of Amazing Grace Spay and Neutering Program, which is affiliated with Mahoning Valley Animal Hospital and Mahoning Lions Club, which offers services to people with low income in Carbon County. Anyone interested should contact Diane Sharpless at 570-778-6886.A 14-year-old photographer, Sarah Bauer of Summit Hill, was offering photographs for sale. A portion of each sale was donated to Friends of Animals. Photos can be viewed at SMBsnas.com.Also offering information was Creature Comforts Veterinary and Emergency Services, Saylorsburg. This office is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to offer emergency care to pets."We offered space to any organization that offered resources, education, shelters and rescues to get their word out," said Crum.New Spirit for Aussie had a display and several of their former rescue animals and their owners stopped by to visit. They offer to assist Aussie Shepherds find a new home. Many of the animals come from Kentucky and were abandoned when they were not sold. The animals are fostered and then found adoptive homes.There was also vendors selling jewelry, screen printing services, novelties, purses, home cooking supplies and NFL coats and scarves for dogs. Carbon County Friends of Animals also sold refreshments.Several members of Rescue INK (rescueink.org) motorcycle group attended the event to show their support. The group attends functions throughout the country to inform the public about breed specific information and to end animal cruelty and neglect.Cats Peek Rescue also was offering information.Crum said that the animal resources came together to educate and stop the animal issues that are rampant in Carbon County.Crum said that she works hard to help in cruelty cases, but that sometimes a rescue is not possible in all cases due to the outdated laws that need to change."We want to help in some cases but we are not always able to help," she said. "Sometimes people do get angry when we are not able to save the animals, but sometimes are hands are tied."Susie Yaich of CCFOA, said that CCFOA is not just a cat shelter, but it helped place 39 dogs of the 101 labs when that situation came to light in Franklin Township, plus the shelter was involved in the rescue of reptiles. All rescues are done on a volunteer basis. Yaich said they also been involved in rescues of pot belly pigs and chickens.All the entertainment was donated. DJ music was offered by DJ Dawg, plus two bands performed, Waiting for Katie, classic rock; and Bee's Knees.