Humane Highway Tour

The men of Rescue Ink are kicking off Florida's "Bike Week" to benefit bay area animals! 

Hillsborough County Animal Services, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and Florida Boxer Rescue have teamed up to present the Humane Highway Tour March 4 - 6, featuring the members of television's "Rescue Ink."   The tattooed-motorcycling tough guys from New York City share a common motto with local partners in Tampa Bay:  zero tolerance for animal abuse. 

The Humane Highway Tour is a three-day fun and awareness-raising extravaganza that promises something for everyone --  from photos with the famous to a family-friendly pet walk and costume contests, to a "hog-heaven" beach party on the sparkling Gulf-of-Mexico.  Proceeds will benefit needy animals on both sides of the bay.  The event flier may be downloaded at  www.humanehighwaytour.com .

Two years ago, Rescue Ink found fame on reality cable TV showcasing big guys from the Big Apple who love Harley's and loathe animal abuse.  Rescue Ink has since appeared on national television programs such as  "Dr. Phil"  and "The Ellen Show."   The 10-memberRescue Ink entourage will tour  Hillsborough County Animal Services during its visit to the Sunshine State.   

The 2011 "Humane Highway Tour" featuring Rescue Ink is coming down a street near you: 

• Friday, March 4,  6 to 9 p.m.  - "Meet Rescue Ink" Party - Quaker Steak & Lube (100400 49th St. N. in Clearwater)
• Saturday, March 5,  8:00 a.m. to  12:30 p.m. -  "Bark In The Park" -  Humane Society of Tampa Bay's 24th Annual Fundraiser at Al Lopez Park (4810 N. Himes Ave., Tampa).  Special guests include Rescue Ink and the New York Yankees.
• Sunday, March 6 , 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  - "Ride For Rescue" Poker Run & Beach Bash -  Departs Fletcher's Harley-Davidson (17229 U.S. 19, Clearwater) destinedfor Honeymoon Island State Park (Dunedin). The family-friendly party includes music, food and pet contests.

The "Humane Highway Tour" is sponsored in part by:  Fletcher's Harley-Davidson Inc., Bon Appetite Restaurant and The New Barker Magazine.

For event information and/or registration, log onto www.humanehighwaytour.com .