| Dresden animal shelter awarded grant |
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Posted: Friday, July 30, 2010 2:06 pm
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The Tennessee Department of Agriculture announced the recipients of the animal spay/neuter grants at the Humane Educational Society in Chattanooga.
The grants supports low cost spay/neuter programs in Tennessee and are funded through Animal Friendly license plate sales.
Of the recipients of a combined $96,000 across the state, the Red Fern Animal Shelter located between Dresden and Martin, received a $1,000 grant.
“This is a great program that not only helps control the number of unwanted animals but it also provides important animal and public health benefits,” said Ken Givens, Commissioner.
“Every dollar the agency receives goes directly to spay and neuter services. Citizens can be assured that their money is going directly to the mission of the license plate.”
Every Animal Friendly license plate sale contributes more than $15 to fund the grants.
This year, $96,000 was awarded to a total of 48 different non-profit animal care and rescue organizations and government agencies.
The grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $2,500. The total funds are less than previous years, due mainly to fewer people renewing their Animal Friendly license plates. Last year, more than 2,300 animals benefited from Animal Friendly funds.
“The Animal Friendly license plate grant program provides funds for communities to help reduce the number of unwanted animals,” said Guy Bilyeu, Humane Educational Society Executive Director.
“Spaying and neutering your pets not only eliminates unwanted litters, but also prevents diseases and can increase a pet’s lifespan.”
Reducing the number of unwanted animals also helps reduce cases of animal cruelty, starvation and lowers the instances of disease.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture works to prevent, control and eradicate certain infectious or communicable diseases of livestock and other domestic animals.
The agency houses the State Veterinarian Office, has a network of three animal diagnostic labs and helps coordinate Disaster Animal Response Teams.
For more information on the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Animal Friendly Grant, visit www.TN.gov/agriculture/regulatory/spayneuter.html.
Citizens should contact the Weakley County clerk’s office to purchase an Animal Friendly license plate.
WCP 7.29.10
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