LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is announcing the recipients of the 2023 Animal Welfare Fund grants.
This year, MDARD is set to distribute $150,000 to 34 registered animal shelters throughout the state to support various animal welfare projects thanks to Michiganders who checked the “Animal Welfare Fund” on their annual state tax returns.
34 registered animal shelters in Michigan, including four in Southwest Michigan, will receive funds.
Those shelters receiving money in the area are: Al-Van Humane Society – $3,000; Kalamazoo Animal Rescue – $6,000; St. Joseph County Animal Control – $5,000; and Van Buren County Animal Control – $5,000.
Grants through the Michigan’s Animal Welfare Fund help shelters finance spay/neuter programs, educate others about proper animal care, train staff, and provide the means for maintaining animal health throughout local communities. Collectively, these efforts help shelters to adopt out more animals and promote animal health and welfare in their communities.
“Thanks to the generosity and kindness of Michigan taxpayers, MDARD can continue to support the increasing needs of our registered animal shelters,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland. “Over the past few years, we have seen a steady increase in not only the number of shelters applying for grants but also in the amount of funds being requested. This funding makes a significant, positive impact on Michigan’s animals and the people who care for them.”
One hundred percent of the contributions made to the Animal Welfare Fund goes directly to registered Michigan animal shelters to help them better care for local animals. Since 2010, MDARD has distributed more than $1.8 million to over 283 animal shelters.
More information on the Animal Welfare Fund and how to contribute is online at michigan.gov/animalwelfarefund
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