In celebration of the ASPCA’s 150^th anniversary, the ASPCA and Animal Planet hosted a red-carpet premiere of its documentary Second Chance Dogs at the House of Vans in Brooklyn. The film chronicles the stories of several dogs rescued from cruel situations and taken to the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center, where they begin a remarkable journey from rescue to rehabilitation and ultimately, adoption. Launched in 2013, the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center is the first and only facility dedicated to rehabilitating dogs suffering from severe fear and undersocialization resulting from puppy mills, hoarding cases, and other situations that put them in peril.

Each dog profiled in Second Chance Dogs overcomes unique challenges to become comfortable being handled by people, walking with a leash, engaging in play and exhibiting social behavior. In the film, experts from the animal welfare community share insight on the perilous obstacles animal victims of cruelty face, as well as the innovative tactics and tools that give them a second chance.

Special guest Tamron Hall of NBC News’ “TODAY” and “MSNBC Live with Tamron Hall” attended the special premiere and led a panel discussion with ASPCA President & CEO Matt Bershadker; senior director of ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Behavior Rehabilitation Kristen Collins; filmmaker Kenn Bell; and Erin Wanner, Vice President of Animal Planet Production. Other VIP guests at the premiere included actor Andy Karl from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Orfeh, Dan Churchill, Eniko Mihalik, Eric West, Jessielyn Palumbo, Megan Massacre, Meredith O’Connor, and Tashiana Washington.

Second Chance Dogs will debut on Animal Planet on April 16, at 9:00 AM E.T./P.T.