GRANT MONIES TO HELP IN ANIMAL SHELTER RECOVERY
 

             St. Tammany Parish Government yesterday received a $13,500 grant from the Petfinder.com Foundation to offset expenses incurred by the Parish Animal Shelter following Hurricane Katrina. These funds are in addition to $40,000 in grants awarded to the Parish in October from the ASPCA.

             Money from Petfinder.com’s Disaster Relief Fund will be used to replace a large generator lost after the storm, and to acquire 12 outside portable dog chain kennels, 50 portable kennels, and four digital cameras for use by Animal Control Officers. In addition to the funds, Petfinder.com sent flea and heartworm medications to restore spent inventory and medicate animals at the shelter.

             Grant funds from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will be used for operational expenses in caring for homeless and sick animals affected by Katrina, and to replenish supplies expended in their initial care after the hurricane. 

            Additional grant applications for the Parish Animal Shelter are outstanding, and officials are optimistic about the awarding of those monies.

            “Animal control is always an important function of local government and helps protect public safety and health,” Parish President Kevin Davis said. “Katrina left many animals homeless and in need of medical care, and local resources were heavily tapped. These grants from the ASPCA and Petfinder.com will go a long way towards maintaining services at the Parish Animal Shelter and providing humane care to animals in need.”

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