The Animal Network and No Kill Manatee are hosting a spay-ghetti with no balls dinner next month to raise money for spay and neuter programs that are integral to the county's efforts to become a no kil countyl.

The August 24 benefit will include dinner, appetizers, drinks and auction items. The event is designed to be lots of fun with local celebrities and animal advocates selling balls — small and large — to those who really want meatballs with their noodles.

The dinner is $20 per person and includes the appetizer, spaghetti with sauce, garlic bread and a drink. Meatballs are extra and there will be a cash bar.

As you might be able to tell, it's meant to be a fun event, so dress is Florida attire — casual. While the dinner is designed for laughs, the message is serious: In order for Manatee County to achieve its goal of saving 90 percent of the animals that come through the doors of the county's shelter, people have to be responsible for spaying and neutering their pets and backyard breeding has to stop.

The county offers information on free spay and neuter programs and Manatee County Humane Society provides low-cost spay and neuter services for all cats and dogs.

Thousands of dogs and cat are needlessly killed every year because too many people don't spay or neuter their pets and they end up with unwanted puppies or kittens that they can't give away.

Manatee County and the Animal Network hope that by educating people about spay and neuter programs and benefits, they can cut down on the number of unwanted and homeless pets.

You can buy tickets for this awareness event at Perks 4 Pets, Lucky Dogs Restaurant, Manatee County Animal Services downtown adoption center, Hickory Hollow, 4705 US Hwy 301 N. in Ellenton. Manatee County Animal Services in Palmetto and Pets Life Naturally 523 8th Ave. W. Palmetto.