MSPCA-Angell Wins Grant to Launch Ambitious Pit Bull Spay, Neuter and Vaccination Program

BOSTON, Aug. 29, 2013 – The MSPCA-Angell today announced it will host eight free Pit Bull spay, neuter and vaccination clinics for low income dog owners throughout the rest of 2013 thanks to a $5,500 grant provided by the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC’s) “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate program.  The MSPCA hopes to perform over 150 spay and neuter surgeries, preventing the birth of thousands of unwanted dogs across Massachusetts.  The clinics will take place at MSPCA adoption centers in Jamaica Plain and Methuen, Mass.

MAC, a state-wide non-profit organization formed in 2000 to promote collaboration among those who work in animal welfare, raises money for its grant programs through the “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate program. These specialty plates, purchased through the Registry of Motor Vehicles, enable animal lovers to make clear to everyone on the road that they support animal protection. 

“This grant will help us address the high rates of homelessness and euthanasia of Pit Bull-type dogs in Massachusetts,” said Jean Weber, director of animal protection at the MSPCA-Angell.  “We’re grateful to have been awarded the grant, and the free spay and neuter clinics we’ll undertake will play a huge role in securing necessary care for dogs who need it most.”

The MAC grant will bolster several  MSPCA programs already in place to reduce the number of homeless Pit Bulls in Massachusetts, such as the popular Pit Pals program, a free or discounted spay and neuter service that has in its three-year history spayed or neutered nearly 2,000 dogs.  For more information on Pit Pals readers can click here, or to order an “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate, readers can visit www.petplate.org.

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The Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) is a statewide, non-profit organization comprised of animal professionals and individual volunteers dedicated to working together to decrease the number of homeless, neglected, displaced and abused animals in Massachusetts.  MAC’s “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate program helps fund spay and neuter programs across the state.  These charitable plates are available through Massachusetts RMV and are tax deductible. 

The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provides direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, it is the second-oldest humane society in the United States. Services include animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education, law enforcement, and world-class veterinary care. The MSPCA-Angell is a private, non-profit organization. It does not receive any government funding nor is it funded or operated by any national humane organization. The MSPCA-Angell relies solely on the support and contributions from individuals who care about animals. Please visit www.mspca.org and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mspcaangell