Pilots N Paws 5000

The Pilots N Paws 5000 is a special event put on by the non-profit organization Pilots N Paws. The goal is to provide transport for 5000 animals from shelters to foster homes during a one week interval. It will take place during the week of September 12th through the 20th, 2009. This event was conceived as a means to draw public attention to three important issues.

The first and most important message they need to convey is that there is a serious problem in this country that results in about 4,000,000 animals or more being euthanized annually. This would not be the case if there were more and better spay and neuter programs and laws regarding owners’ responsibility for their animals.

The second issue is that because the problem is primarily regional a lot of these innocent animals could find permanent “forever” homes if they could be transported from high kill regions to areas with homes available. To accomplish this Pilots N Paws desperately need more pilots to help with transports.

The final issue is that while aviation has proven to be a successful way to transport animals to safety, general aviation in this country is threatened. The threats range from onerous Homeland Security directives to crippling and expensive fees imposed on general aviation. Pilots N Paws want to see general aviation perceived by the public accurately as a driving force in our economy, and one that contributes far more than its $150 economic impact would suggest. They want to see general aviation free of these threats.

If you would like to be a part of this event, please see their website, PilotsNPaws.org. You don't have to be a pilot, although many pilots will be needed. Shelters, rescues and anyone willing to help can be used. You may also make a donation to the effort on their website. All donations are tax-deductible.