News Release

The Missouri Department of Agriculture today announced that the Humane Society of Ray County has been awarded $2,000 in grant funding to assist them in providing low cost spay and neuter services. The funding comes from the Missouri Spay & Neuter Grant Program, which helps animal shelters, humane societies and non-profit rescue groups working to address pet overpopulation with the cost of spaying and neutering animals.

"By awarding the grant to a shelter with low-cost spay/neuter initiatives, we ensure as many dogs and cats as possible receive this veterinary care," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "This organization's dedication to animal care is a true service that has made, and continues to make, a significant difference for their community and the animals that may have otherwise gone without."

Since 2009, the program has awarded at least $20,000 in grants annually. This year's grants bring the total contributions through the program to more than $100,000.

The Humane Society of Ray County, an all volunteer animal shelter, joins nine other groups from across Missouri which have each been awarded a $2,000 grant from the Missouri Spay & Neuter Grant Program. The grant will aid the organization's efforts to provide spay and neuter services to dogs and cats being offered for adoption from their shelter.

The Missouri Spay & Neuter Grant Program is funded by sales of the "I'm Pet Friendly" license plates through the Missouri Department of Revenue. Each sale of the plate donates $20 to the Missouri Pet Spay/Neuter Fund, which is administered by the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Missourians do not have to wait till their current plates expire but may obtain "I'm Pet Friendly" license plates at any time by visiting their nearest license office or the Department of Revenue online at dor.mo.gov.

For more information on "I'm Pet Friendly" license plates and the Missouri Department of Agriculture's animal care programs, visit mda.mo.gov.