Two dozen in a million

Paul Clinton

Randy Warner is a man on a mission.

The animal activist blew into Corona del Mar on Monday on one stop of

his five-year tour to educate children across the country about the

humane treatment of animals. Warner, who brought six dogs with him, has

singled out Dalmatians as a prime example of how ill-equipped most pet

owners are in caring for the animals.

The hyperactive dogs are notoriously tough to care for, and Warner

said he has seen his share of the breed in dog pounds all over the

country.

The activist visited the Community Youth Center in Grant Howell Park

on Monday. The two dozen or so children he addressed will go toward his

goal of talking to 1 million this year alone.

For the next five years, Warner plans to do his bit to raise awareness

about the treatment of dogs through his nonprofit group 21st Century

CARES.

Warner said he hopes to educate pet owners to reduce the dog

population, so fewer dogs are euthanized in overcrowded shelters. Warner

is taking his message beyond the urging to have dogs spayed or neutered.

“We’re killing dogs, so we can have puppies for fun,” Warner said

Monday. “If you’re having a litter of puppies, you’re the problem.”

Standing on the Grant Howell soccer field, Warner fielded questions

from the day-camp children at the park. They wondered if cats get along

with dogs and other questions that sprang into their curious minds.

Warner was right there with the answers. The activity was a

well-received change of pace for the children, recreation leader Chris

Bailey said.

“This is a special treat,” Bailey said. “Normally we just have sports.

This spices it up.”