Assemblyman Eric Linder, R-Corona, will announce Saturday, Oct. 17, that the “shelter animal” has been named the official state pet of California in a resolution he authored.

Linder’s announcement will be at 10:30 a.m. at the Riverside County Department of Animal Services main shelter at 6851 Van Buren Blvd. in Jurupa Valley.

To mark the event, Riverside County is inviting anyone who has adopted a shelter animal to join Linder and other animal advocates for a massive photo shoot. Adopters are encouraged to bring their former shelter pets for the photo.

In honor of the occasion, the Riverside County/City animal shelter is offering available pets for free on that day. Adopters are asked to make a $20 donation to the county’s spay and neuter fund which provides free spay and neuter services for pet owners who qualify.

Information: 951-358-7387.

Contact the writer: 951-358-9647 or [email protected]m