News Release

The Missouri Department of Agriculture today recognized Independence Animal Services for their efforts to provide low cost spay and neuter services pet owners in Jackson County. Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler presented Katie Lappin of Karma's Black Dog Rescue 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."

Karma's Black Dog Rescue was one of 10 Missouri organizations awarded a grant for $2,000 to aid their efforts to subsidize the cost of operations for adoptions at local animal shelters and rescue groups. Since their founding in 2010, the team behind Karma's Black Dog Rescue has worked closely with local animal shelters to provide spay and neuter services for animals before they are made available for adoption.

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.