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SPCA International Awards $33,000 in Grants to Support Global Rabies Vaccination Efforts in Honor of World Rabies Day

Grant funding will be used to provide over 12,000 vaccinations to animals in five countries

In support of World Rabies Day on September 28th, animal welfare organization SPCA International (SPCAI) has awarded $33,000 in grants to 9 organizations in support of rabies vaccinations for dogs in Borneo, Tanzania, Pakistan, Cuba, and India. This funding will provide over 12,000 rabies vaccinations to animals across the globe.

“We’re proud to play a part in World Rabies Day 2023 and the global movement to eliminate rabies,” said Lori Kalef, Director of Programs at SPCA International. “Vaccinating dogs and cats against rabies saves the lives of people and their pets. We applaud our grantees who continue the critical frontline work to eradicate this disease and keep dogs safe.”

Rabies continues to be a persistent, but preventable, threat to humans and animals, especially in under-resourced regions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that rabies causes 59,000 deaths each year worldwide, with 99% of human rabies deaths caused by exposure to rabid dogs. Each year, scores of dogs are inhumanely culled due to concerns about the spread of rabies, even though mass vaccination rather than mass killing is the only solution which can truly stop the disease. Consistent access to vaccinations can play a large role in saving these innocent lives.  

SPCAI’s grants will support ongoing efforts to ensure rabies vaccinations are available globally. Individual grants were awarded to: International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals (IAPWA), Lake Zone Animal Welfare Organization (LZAWO), Lucky Animal Protection Shelters (LAPS), Operation Git-Meow, Stray Animal Foundation of India, Tanzania Animal Welfare Society (TAWESO), Tanzania Animals Protection Organization (TAPO), Tanzania Humane Charity – TAHUCHA, and Voluntary Education and Relief Initiative for Tanzanian Society – VERITAS.

Celebrated annually since 2007, World Rabies Day aims to raise awareness and advocate for rabies elimination globally. This year’s theme, “All for 1, One Health for All,” emphasizes the need for collaboration in strengthening overall health systems to ensure equitable access to rabies vaccinations and beyond.