Some northern Michigan animal shelters will soon get a financial boost thanks to taxpayers.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced the recipients of the 2012 Companion Animal Welfare tax check-off funds. The program generated $134,253.06 under the competitive grant cycle.
The 15 state registered animal shelters/humane societies will receive between $5,000 and $10,000 in reimbursement for the purchase of supplies, services, and materials for spay and neuter activities.
The Animal Welfare Fund was established under Public Act 132 of 2007. The fund supports efforts relating to the spaying and neutering of animals, and helps finance the costs for protecting and caring for animals that have been subjected to cruelty or neglect. Taxpayers may elect to contribute $5, $10, or any other amount to the fund on their annual state tax returns.
“Michigan residents have a strong desire to help local animal shelters struggling with increased numbers of cats and dogs coming into their facilities,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Steven Halstead. “These funds will help with the sterilization of pre-adoption pets; and hopefully get these animals more quickly into their forever homes.”
Cherryland Humane Society in Traverse City will be awarded $10,000, the AuSable Valley Animal Shelter in Grayling will receive $5,000, and the Roscommon County Animal Shelter in Prudenville will be given $10,000.
Since this program began, $356,454 has been collected and funded 39 projects across the state. MDARD is planning the next round of “requests for proposals” for October 2012 and is based on the tax check-off contributions from taxpayers this year.
