Hilary Swank to host dog charity telethon

Actress Hilary Swank is to host a star-studded TV charity event in aid of rescue dogs.

The Million Dollar Baby star will helm The Great American Dog-a-Thon on Thanksgiving (27Nov14), and the show will include special guest appearances from Scarlett Johansson, Josh Duhamel, Fergie, Kesha, LeAnn Rimes and Kristen Bell.

Swank says, "I have long been an advocate for animal adoption and know first-hand the immense joy a shelter animal brings to our lives. Yet, every year more than four million animals are euthanised (sic) because of overcrowding in shelters. We are so fortunate to have an animal advocate in the Fox network that not only sees the need for more awareness surrounding this issue, but is willing to set aside a two-hour block for this important cause."

The event is a two-hour TV special celebrating rescue dogs. During the broadcast, viewers will be invited to foster or adopt one of the pooches.