June 29, 2012
Ava Group Receives $2,000 Grant for Spay and Neuter Services
The Missouri Department of Agriculture today recognized the Ava Area Animal Welfare League, Jr. (AAAWL, Jr.) for their efforts to provide low cost spay and neuter services. Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler presented Mary Chipps of AAAWL, Jr. a $2,000 grant from the Missouri Pet Spay and Neuter program.
"Missouri's animal care organizations efforts to reduce pet overpopulation are very important to our hometown communities," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "By focusing on animal shelters and low-cost spay neuter initiatives, including charitable organizations, we are making a difference for animals that may have otherwise gone without this veterinary care."
AAAWL, Jr. was one of 10 Missouri organizations awarded a grant for $2,000 to aid their efforts to provide spay and neuter services to low income individuals and to subsidize the cost of operations for adoptions at local animal shelters and rescue groups. They currently work two veterinarians in Douglas County, as well as the local food bank and city pound. The group was founded in 2007.
The Pet Spay and Neuter program is funded through 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. Applications for grant funds are accepted each winter.
For more information on the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit mda.mo.gov.