2010 will mark the 21st year that the Ann Arbor Walk For Farm Animals and vegan potluck will take place, raising awareness of the unnecessary suffering endured by so many animals that are raised for food. The event will also be taking place in 70 other cities throughout the North America. The Ann Arbor Walk, sponsored by Farm Sanctuary, will take place on Sept. 12 at Hudson Mills, 8801 North Territorial Road, in Dexter.

Farm Sanctuary's goal is not only to work to edify people about the plight of livestock and other farm animals, but has two facilities - one located in upstate New York, another in Northern California - to act as a sanctuary for rescued farm animals.

In October 2009, Farm Sanctuary, along with the Humane Society of the United States and the Michigan Humane Society, lauded legislation that was passed in the state of Michigan by way of HB 5127 signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. The bill phases out the use of gestation crates, battery cages and veal crates.

Bob Harper, fitness trainer and star of NBC's "Biggest Loser," is national spokesman for the event.

For more information about this local event, contact walk coordinator Cody Winchester via e-mail or visit http://www.walkforfarmanimals.org/. Pre-registration is $15, and includes a T-shirt. Registration on the day of the event is $20.

Lorrie Shaw is the owner of Professional Pet Sitting as well as a regular pets contributor on AnnArbor.com. She also blogs frequently on More Than Four Walls and enjoys finding solutions regarding pet wellness and behavior as well as researching social issues related to pets and animals. She can be reached via e-mail.