MDARD grants will help animal shelters, new pet adopters
Michigan Dept of Agriculture & Rural Development sent this bulletin at 02/25/2021 03:00 PM EST
For immediate release: February 25, 2021 Media contact: Jessy Sielski, 517-331-1151
MDARD grants will help animal shelters, new pet adopters
Taxpayers: remember to check 'Animal Welfare Fund' box on voluntary contributions tax form
LANSING—The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2021 Animal Welfare Fund grants. This year, MDARD will distribute $137,144 to 24 registered animal shelters throughout the state to support various animal welfare projects.
The Animal Welfare Fund is supported by generous Michiganders during tax season when they check the fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule on their state tax returns.
Since 2010, MDARD has distributed more than $1.4 million to over 213 local animal shelters. One hundred percent of the contributions made to this fund go directly to these shelters to support efforts that increase sterilization rates among dogs and cats prior to adoption, provide anti-cruelty training for animal law enforcement agencies, offer proper animal care programs to the public, and assist shelters with the unreimbursed costs of care for animals involved in legal investigations.
“Thanks to the kindness of Michigan taxpayers, MDARD can help to support the growing needs of shelters around the state,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM. “Over the last three years, we have seen an increase in not only the number of shelters applying for grants but also an increase in the amount of funds being requested. This year in particular, applicants have asked for more funds to educate the public and train staff.”
For this year’s grant cycle, MDARD received 59 applications, totaling more than $511,000 in requests. Projects funded this year include the following:
Equipment for the safe and secure transport of animals found in large-scale neglect and hoarding situations.
Outreach and educational materials to gain support for community changes that help promote the importance of spay/neuter and proper pet care.
Certified anti-cruelty training for animal control officers to aid in their investigations of cruelty and fighting incidents, as well as assist in the cooperation and coordination of local law enforcement, the prosecutor’s office, and community relations.
Surgical packs for spay/neuter of shelter animals to reduce the backlog of surgeries and reduce the length of stay for shelter animals, helping them make it to new homes sooner without the chance of more unwanted puppies or kittens.
The following animal shelter organizations were awarded 2021 Animal Welfare Fund grants:
Alpena County Animal Control - $4,925
Al-Van Humane Society Inc. - $9,600
Bay County Animal Control Shelter - $5,600
BestPals Animal Rescue Center - $2,500
Cheboygan County Humane Society - $6,990
City of River Rouge Animal Shelter - $9,650
City of Romulus Animal Shelter - $4,376
Clare County Animal Shelter - $6,480
Country Cat Lady - $2,700
Friends of Companion Animals - $700
Genesee County Animal Control - $9,630
Greater Hillsdale Humane Society - $1,570
Humane Society of Midland County - $5,302
Humane Society of Monroe County - $4,125
Isabella County Animal Control - $7,550
Kent County Animal Shelter - $5,585
Lincoln Park Animal Shelter - $3,000
McCloud's Lake Haven - $7,500
Newaygo County Animal Shelter - $891
Ontonagon County Animal Protection Inc. - $2,055
Otsego County Animal Shelter - $10,000
Roscommon County Animal Shelter - $7,215
Saginaw County Animal Care and Control - $9,200
Taylor Animal Shelter - $10,000
The generosity of Michigan taxpayers makes these grants possible, which helps shelters fill the needs present in their communities. Please continue to protect homeless animals and improve their care by checking the Animal Welfare Fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule on your state tax returns.