The host of Animal Planet's hit dog-training series is coming to Lancaster County this weekend to help raise awareness of the local puppy-mill problem.

Victoria Stilwell, a renowned dog trainer and host of "It's Me or the Dog," will participate in Puppy Mill Awareness Day, whose primary sponsor is the Humane Society of the United States.

The sixth annual Awareness Day will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Intercourse Community Park on Old Philadelphia Pike at Royal Circle.

The event will attempt to rally opinions against puppy mills and celebrate new state legislation that protects kennel dogs. Awareness Day will feature lunch, numerous vendors, a parade of rescued dogs at noon and a march against cruelty from 1 to 2 p.m.

Besides Stilwell, featured guests will include Chris DeRose, president of Last Chance for Animals, and Stephanie Shain, senior director of the Humane Society's puppy mill campaign.

There also will be an auction of "art" created by puppy-mill survivors beginning Friday at 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 1575 New Danville Pike.

Tickets to the fundraising event are $20 and may be reserved online at awarenessday.org.

According to the Humane Society, puppy mills are breeding facilities that produce purebred puppies in large numbers that are sold to the public, brokers or pet shops.

Documented problems at puppy mills include overbreeding, inbreeding, overcrowding, minimal veterinary care, poor-quality food and shelter, lack of socialization and the killing of unwanted animals.

E-mail: tknapp@lnpnews.com