5th Annual Phoenix Pet Expo Brings Message of Pet Power in Fight Against Animal Cruelty

PHOENIX - May 1, 2014 - PRLog -- The fight against animal cruelty will gain some serious pet power when Shorty Rossi, star of the runaway Animal Planet hit TV show, “Pit Boss”and “America’s Cutest Pets,”and celebrity dog trainer and “Today Show”residential pet expert, Harrison Forbes, join over 250 local pet-related exhibitors, rescues and other pet advocates at the 2014 Phoenix Pet Expo.

“Animal cruelty is often worsened by a lack of education about pet ownership. Not to mention that most people have no idea how cruelty towards Pitbulls is promoted in their communities due to unfair laws or breed discrimination. It has to end and pet lovers are the only ones who can end it. It’s time to say ‘Enough,’”says Rossi who credits the loyalty and companionship of Pitbulls for transforming his life.

It isn’t just Rossi who’ll be there though; his canine co-star and service dog, Hercules, will attend the Phoenix Pet Expo as well. Both will be there help teach pet owners about Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) - often referred to as breed discrimination - which refers to laws that target dogs based on how they look rather than their actions. Currently, BSL most often focuses on Pitbull-types, but many cities also target Rottweilers, German Shepherds and other large breeds, including dogs that are often described as Pitbull-mixes, when in fact, they have no Pitbull genes at all.

Another major voice against BSL is Kathy Swaney, founder of the Mesa-based Valley of the Sun Dog Rescue, a non-profit that specializes in Pitbulls and Bully Breeds. She’ll also be at the event to help dispel some of the myths surrounding BSL.“It’s not necessarily the individual animal,”explains Swaney.“It’s the people putting these animals in a situation where they wind up as a high-profile media case, which makes people frightened. It’s like seeing a biker on the street: he may have a certain dress or look, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a gentle or kind person. That’s what gives BSL its’power.”

There’s a lot more to learn and enjoy at the Phoenix Pet Expo: Harrison Forbes, who’s a frequent guest on the “Today Show”(NBC) as their featured resident dog behavior expert, will share his expertise on pet behavior at the Phoenix Pet Expo too. Forbes will also explain how Doggie DNA Testing can help people choose the right dog breed match for their lifestyle and offer advice on how to correct common pet behavior problems. Pet owners are urged to bring their most difficult pet behavior issues to Forbes - it’s a challenge that he enjoys.

“Most pets are abandoned or given up for adoption because of preventable - and easily fixable - behavior issues,”explains Forbes. “I love that any well-behaved pet is welcome to attend the Phoenix Pet Expo and am excited to once again help make a difference for pets and their families. Dog training not only brings happiness and peace into a home, but it strengthens the pet/owner bond.”

The event will also feature opportunities for fan photos and autographs with both Rossi and Forbes, along with more than 250 exhibitors, live entertainment and demonstrations, Doxie Derbies, multiple canine athletic courses, and a Petfinder.com mega-adoption area with more than 350 rescue pets available for adoption. Low-cost immunizations, discounted microchipping and free nail trims will also be available for all the furry friends who need them.

Dubbed the “Biggest Pet Party in Phoenix,”the 5th annual Phoenix Pet Expo will take place on Saturday, May 17^th, 2014 from 10am to 6pm, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. This free, indoor and air-conditioned event is expected to attract 15,000 to 20,000 attendees along with their furry, feathered and reptilian pals who are looking to enjoy a new and one-of-a-kind experience where any pet can join in the fun. All well-behaved pets are welcome, as long as they’re on a fixed lead (or in a carrier) and have proof of age-appropriate rabies vaccines.

The 2014 Phoenix Pet Expo is produced by Amazing Expos, a leading event production firm that currently produces more than 39 large pet expos across the United States. For more information, call 800.977.3609, email expo@phoenixpetexpo.com or visit http://www.phoenixpetexpo.com, http://www.facebook.com/phoenixpetexpo or https://twitter.com/AmazingPetExpo.