SPCA International Awards Grant to Lawrence County Humane Society

Will fund a spay and neuter program for low income pet owners

New York, NY (August 7, 2019) – SPCA International (SPCAI) announced today a grant to the Lawrence County Humane Society (LCHS) in Kentucky for their Low Income Spay/Neuter Assistance Program and Trap, Neuter, Return program.  

The funding is distributed through SPCAI’s Shelter Support Fund which supports and partners with smaller animal welfare organizations domestically and worldwide to increase their impact. In 2019, SPCAI has awarded 48 grants and more than $250,000 so far. Since 2007, SPCAI has assisted animal shelters and rescue groups in every U.S. state and over 60 countries around the world.

“We are so proud to assist with the great work that is being done by Lawrence County Humane Society,” said Meredith Ayan, Executive Director, SPCA International. “We’re confident this grant will increase spay and neuter rates and improve the overall health of the animal population LCHS serves.”

Founded in 1990, Lawrence County Humane Society works in a geographically large county in Eastern Kentucky. In addition, they own and operate the only animal shelter (Open Arms Animal Shelter) in the county and provide a vital service to an otherwise economically challenged area. The purpose of the Humane Society is to prevent cruelty, relieve suffering, and extend humane education on behalf of the numerous abandoned, abused, and/or neglected animals in the area.

The Low Income Cat Spay/Neuter Assistance Program was initiated in 2016 through receipt of a small start-up grant. But a concerted effort was put forth by volunteers to raise more money through private resources which allowed an additional 46 personal pets to be provided spay/neuter surgery. With a combined effort of private fundraising and grants, the Low Income Cat Spay/Neuter Assistance Program has assisted countless families on fixed incomes to get their felines spayed/neutered. This initiative not only ensures that countless animals are fixed but will help to keep these personal pets in their homes (often with the elderly or infirmed) instead of being brought to shelters. In addition, this initiative has significantly reduced the number of unwanted litters born each year. As of June 2019, over 1,000 personal pets and free roaming community cats have received the much needed spay/neuter surgery through LCHS services.

About SPCA International:

SPCA International (https://www.spcai.org/about-spcai/) is a global animal welfare organization with a mission that is simple, but vast: to advance the safety and well-being of animals. Through outreach, rescue and education programs SPCA International spearheads lifesaving initiatives and assists grassroots animal activists worldwide.

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