January 24 , 2011

Lansing – Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced the recipients of the 2010 Companion Animal Welfare tax check-off funds, which generated $118,372.58. Under the competitive grant cycle, the 13 state registered animal shelters will receive between $3,000 and $10,000 in reimbursement for the purchase of supplies, services, and materials for spay and neuter activities.

The Animal Welfare Fund was established under Public Act 132 of 2007. The fund supports efforts relating to the spaying and neutering of animals, and helps finance the costs for protecting and caring for animals that have been subjected to cruelty or neglect. Taxpayers may elect to contribute $5, $10, or any other amount to the fund.

“Michigan citizens’ tax check-off funds are helping local shelters struggling with increased animal populations with the sterilization of pre-adoption pets in 2011,” said State Veterinarian Steven Halstead. “MDA received 34 proposals requesting a total of $316,192.58 in funding, indicating there is great need out there. Pet adopters appreciate the convenience of having the sterilization completed before the pets are taken home.”

MDA is planning the next round of requests for proposals in October 2011, based on the tax check-off contributions from tax payers this year.

The grantees include:

APPLICANT NAME	County	AMOUNT REQUESTED
Eaton County Humane Society	Eaton	$9,855.00
Allen Park Police Department	Wayne	$6,000.00
Missaukee Humane Society	Missaukee	$3,000.00
Humane Society of Genesee County	Genesee	$10,000.00
Allegan County Animal Shelter	Allegan	$10,000.00
Isabella County Animal Control	Isabella	$10,000.00
Benzie County Animal Control	Benzie	$10,000.00
Manistee County Humane Society (Homeward Bound Animal Shelter)	Manistee	$9,472.58
Newaygo County	Newaygo	$10,000.00
Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan	Berrien	$10,000.00
Ingham County Animal Control	Ingham	$10,000.00
Volunteers for Muskegon County Animal Control	Muskegon	$10,000.00
Friends of Michigan Animals Rescue	Wayne	$10,000.00
Total		$118,327.58

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