Michigan awards $150K to help animal shelters expand care
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The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has announced $150,000 in grants to 24 animal shelters across the state this year.
The funds come from the Animal Welfare Fund, which is supported by residents who choose to contribute on their state tax returns, according to a community announcement.
“MDARD has seen a steady increase in the number of animal welfare projects seeking funding through the Animal Welfare Fund and in the amount of funds being requested,” State Veterinarian Nora Wineland said in the announcement. “These grants make a significant, positive impact on Michigan’s animals and the people who care for them. We hope Michigan taxpayers will continue to generously support animals waiting for their fur-ever home.”
Here are some of the local recipients:
Adopt-A-Pet Inc., Fenton: $12,500
Bay County Animal Control Shelter: $3,500
Genesee County Animal Control: $10,000
Gratiot County Animal Shelter: $8,600
Cheboygan County Humane Society: $6,300
Great Lakes Humane Society, Traverse City: $5,000
Manistee County Animal Shelter: $2,700
Missaukee Humane Society: $9,700
Second Chance Animal Shelter, Alpena: $5,000
Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit: $7,500
Friends of Companion Animals, Monroe: $1,000
Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary, Willis: $5,000
Macomb County Animal Shelter: $10,000
Sanilac County Humane Society: $6,500
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Other recipients include Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter in Fremont, Harbor Humane Society in West Olive, Humane Society & Animal Rescue of Muskegon County, Kent County Animal Shelter, Almost Home Animal Shelter in Quinnesec, Delta Animal Shelter and Help Orphaned Pets Everywhere in Ironwood.
Grants support variety of projects
According to the announcement, more than 85% of the funded projects this year are focused on increasing spay and neuter services at shelters. Other projects include:
Increasing animal vaccination opportunities in underserved communities.
Supporting spay and neuter services at a rabbit-only shelter.
Expanding pet retention initiatives by providing access to microchips and microchip scanners.
Since 2010, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has distributed more than $2.1 million to more than 357 animal shelters through the Animal Welfare Fund.
For more information on the Animal Welfare Fund and how to contribute, visit the department’s website at michigan.gov/mdard.
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This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: New grants aim to expand spay, neuter and care at Michigan shelters
