AKRON, Ohio — The City of Akron is preparing for their first annual “Dick Goddard Day,” which was unanimously approved by Akron City Council in September to honor the legendary Cleveland meteorologist and animal rights activist after his death.
Dick Goddard Day, beginning this year will be held annually on Feb. 24.
As part of the day, Akron city officials ask that people use their social media accounts to honor Goddard.
People are encouraged to post a picture of themselves with their pets using the hashtag #DickGoddardDay, to honor the work he did for animals over the years.
An animal rights activist, Goddard successfully lobbied for what is called Goddard’s Law, which Gov. John Kasich signed in 2016. The law makes knowingly causing serious physical harm to a companion animal a felony.
Goddard would also regularly advocate for pets with the phrase “Have your pets spayed or neutered.
Akron city officials also encourage those looking to add a pet to their family to consider adopting from a local pet adoption agency and to, as Goddard encouraged, have their pets spayed or neutered.
While the first Dick Goddard Day in Akron will be virtual, Councilwoman Tara Samples said she hopes moving forward other celebrations of Goddard's life can be held.
“We look forward to doing something big in 2022 post-COVID so that we can celebrate Dick Goddard and all that he [has] done for Northeast Ohio and the State of Ohio,” Sample said in a press release.
