LAPLACE —Riverlands SPCA is hosting its 19th annual Bark After Dark fundraiser to benefit animals in the River Parishes and combat overpopulation.

Bark After Dark will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Sept. 30 at Petra, located at 1036 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace. Tickets are $50 each and include one beer, wine or well drink.

Former WWL news anchor Angela Hill will serve as hostess for the event, which will also include a silent auction, food and music performed by Ascension Parish band Secondhand Alibi.

Spokesperson Betty Everitt said Bark After Dark is an avenue to meet others dedicated to animal welfare and share stories.

“People come because they like what we do and the reasons we do it, and they want to support the cause,” she said.

Riverlands SPCA, founded in 1993, is a nonprofit animal welfare corporation that relies solely on volunteer work, donations and fundraisers such as Bark after Dark.  According to Everitt, the organization has shifted in focus over the years to meet the current needs of the community.

“We used to be involved in animal rescues and adoptions, but now our biggest focus is offering spaying and neutering to dogs and cats, especially in lower income areas,” Everitt said.

“For stray cats, we promote TNR: Trap, Neuter, Release.”

According to Everitt, shelters will never have enough room for every animal in need, and building larger structures is not the answer. Rather, the key is to prevent animals from multiplying at an uncontrollable rate.

In addition to trapping animals, neutering and releasing, Riverlands SPCA also offers to bring private pets to the vet and promotes adoption from shelters.

To further support the cause, guests may purchase sponsorships at Bark After Dark, ranging from a $100 “Pet’s Partner” donation including one ticket to a $1,000 “Top Dog” contribution that includes 10 tickets.

“We do everything we can and appreciate every donation we get,” Everitt said.

Call Riverlands SPCA at 985-652-7722 to learn more about Bark after Dark or make a donation.

— By Brooke Robichaux