July 1, 2008 (Port Washington, NY) – Television actor, veteran stand-up comic and author Richard Belzer has added another role to his impressive acting resume. He's now Uncle Sam, star of a life-saving campaign, "We Want You…To Adopt," assuming the compelling glare of the iconic 1916 recruitment poster. But in this role, as the centerpiece of a national shelter animal adoption Public Service Announcement (PSA) being launched by North Shore Animal League America, Belzer's portrayal of the patriotic figure is seeking sign-ups to take a homeless animal into their lives.

The ads, featuring Belzer in Uncle Sam garb, surrounded by four pets- three dogs and a cat- are intended to capitalize on the public's attention to the media's current surge of presidential campaign news. The copy announces a "Paws-i-dential" Year for all Republi-CANINES and Demo-CATS, underscoring the national urgency for adoption of homeless animals from shelters, including North Shore Animal League America.

Animal League spokesperson Devera Lynn says it is estimated that nearly 5 million pets are euthanized in the United States each year, while countless others are abandoned, neglected or abused.

"We are confident that this national Public Service Announcement, featuring someone so instantly recognizable, and so sincerely concerned about animals in shelters, as Richard Belzer, will capture the attention of the media and public, and help us increase adoptions across the country. At the same time, we have the potential to make a significant impact on the euthanasia toll," adds Lynn.

Belzer, who has played Detective John Munch on a record-setting, 10 different television series, and currently on NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, is a devoted pet parent to dogs Django, a 3-year-old female border collie mix and BeBe, a 2-year-old male poodle mix. He's also longtime supporter of shelter adoptions, and describes the Animal League's campaign as a "noble cause for which he has a strong affinity."

"My dogs bring me constant joy and incomparable companionship. Pets can make a remarkable difference in our lives, but we first have to make a remarkable difference in theirs by going to a shelter and adopting. I am always steering friends and fellow actors to do this very thing, to adopt a homeless animal rather than buy a pet," said Belzer.

Campaign sponsor North Shore Animal League America is the world's largest no-kill animal shelter. The organization adopts more than 20,000 animals annually from its Port Washington, NY headquarters and another 25,000 through is world-wide Pet Adoptathon weekend. In addition, the Animal League's 1-800-SAVE-A-PET, a national referral adoption program, finds homes for another 60,000, adding up to more than 100,000 innocent animal lives saved annually.

For additional information about North Shore Animal League America or to find a shelter near you call
1-877-4SAVEPET or visit www.animal-league.org.